Mr. Vice President has welcomed the commission's existence within the State Constitution. If it is possible, I encourage Mr. Vice President to back the efforts to empower the KY
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has hinted his support for the Judicial Commission's (KY's) keenness to get stipulated in Indonesia's 1945 State Constitution if it is later re-amended, the Judicial Commission chairman, Jaja Ahmad Jayus, said. "Mr. Vice President has welcomed the commission's existence within the State Constitution. If it is possible, I encourage Mr. Vice President to back the efforts to empower the KY," Jayus told newsmen after meeting with Amin here Wednesday.

Amin highlighted the importance of regulating the powers of the Judicial Commission in the 1945 State Constitution by considering its contribution for a collective effort to maintain justice in Indonesia, he said.

By regulating the powers of the KY in the State Constitution, it would enable the commission to strengthen its role in deciding issues related to the violation of code of ethics and behavior of judges, Jayus said.

The Judicial Commission can only issue recommendations regarding the violation of the code of ethics and behavior of judges that are not final. However, if the KY's powers are stipulated in the amended state constitution, it would be welcome, he said.

As per Law Number 18/2011 on Judicial Commission, the KY is mandated to supervise the behavior of judges; receive public reports on the violation of the code of ethics and legal behavior; examine reports of alleged acts of violation, and enforce the law against those undermining the dignity of judges.

The Judicial Commission is willing to empower its existence by proposing the revision of its law by having such extended powers as conducting phone-tapping and recording conversations of those allegedly violating the code of ethics of judges.

At the meeting with Amin, Jayus was accompanied by KY Deputy Chairman Maradaman Harahap, KY Secretary General Tubagus Rismunandar Ruhijat, and the commission's member Sukma Violetta.

Since its foundation in 2005, the Judicial Commission has proposed sanctions against more than 657 judges for violating the code of ethics and behavior. (INE)
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Translator: Fransiska N, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
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