Preliminary hearing of Advocates Law review in the Constitutional Court, Wednesday (28/05/2025), to examine the petition revision. Photo by MKRI/Ilham WM.

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Jakarta (MKRI) – Ericko Wiratama Sihuhaji, a law graduate and Indonesian citizen, attended the material judicial review hearing of Law No. 18 of 2003 on Advocates (Advocates Law) online. The hearing of Case No. 62/PUU-XXIII/2025, presided over by Chief Justice Suhartoyo, was held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to examine the petition revision.

The petitioner stated that he had revised the touchstone of the petition from Article 28I to Article 28H paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution. The petitioner also revised the Court’s authorities in resolving cases, including his legal standing by adding his work experience, which was similar to that of a corporate lawyer.

“I elaborate that my work experience that is not acknowledged as a constitutional rights violation. There is also another experience that is similar to that of a corporate lawyer. Then, the petitioner also revised his petition reasoning by giving a comparison to intership practice in several other countries that internship can be done not only in advocate offices but also in other institutions, such as in the Netherlands, where internship can be done in government institutions, corporations, and other institutions,” Ericko mentioned.

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Internship Requirement Only in Advocate Office Challenged

In a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, Ericko Wiratama Sinuhaji questioned the provision that required law school graduates to intern in the “Advocate Office” as a requirement to becoming advocates. He said that the provision is no longer relevant and contrary to the real design of the Advocates Law. He stated that the requirement of an internship to be carried out only in an Advocate’s Office had harmed his constitutional right because it is discriminatory, does not provide equality, and restricts opportunities for self-development to contribute to society, the nation, and the state.

Ericko also shared his experience in several law firms in Jakarta. Then, he became a legal professional in the corporate and banking sectors. He emphasized that he acquired in-depth experience and skills in these environments, especially in corporate, banking, insurance, and cross-national financial transactions law.

Ericko further stated that the Advocates Law provision, which limits the internship location only to the Advocate’s office, has become a restriction, treating its citizens unequally and discriminating against those who have experience outside of the Advocate’s office, such as legal, in-house counsel, or paralegal. For these reasons, Ericko requested the Court review the phrase “advocate’s office” in the provision of internships for advocate candidates and reinterpret the norm to be more inclusive and align with the spirit of the Advocates Law.

Author : Sri Pujianti

Editor: Nur R.

PR: Andhini SF.

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian versions, the Indonesian version will prevail.

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