Speakers in panel discussion on "The Challenges of Maintaining Integrity in Law Enforcement and the Judiciary" on Tuesday (10/9) at the Law Faculty of Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta. Photo by Humas MK/Hermanto.

YOGYAKARTA, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—Law Faculty Dean and Professor of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Sigit Riyanto stated, in a panel discussion on "The Challenges of Maintaining Integrity in Law Enforcement and the Judiciary" on Tuesday (10/09/2019) at the Law Faculty of UGM, Yogyakarta, that political and economic interest exists during the formulation of legal norms

Speaking last in the discussion, Sigit explained that the rule of law and justice needs to be supported by various elements—law enforcement and justice, ethical standards and standards of behavior, equality, fairness in implementation, transparency and accountability, as well as capacity and competence.

He echoed Father Benny’s opinion that in law there is trust and conscience. He also said that law is the science of resolving conflicts of interest so it does not do so merely technically but involves norms, social values, and trust. "This is where the judiciary plays a role in maintaining public trust," said Sigit.

Sigit then explained that the freedom of the court and judges was built on public trust and to maintain it the judges must have certain ethical standards. Therefore, integrity begins in a court of law.

"In this case the judiciary is expected to be able to review and apply the law by considering its truth and usefulness. In addition, the judiciary is expected to be able to pass decisions that build new social standards and interpret the law," he concluded. (Tiara A./LA)

Translated by: Yuniar Widiastuti