Integrity is a fundamental foundation that every judge should possess to be able to carry out their duties fairly, independently, and unwaveringly under pressure or temptation.

Bogor, W Java (Indonesia Window) – National law practitioner, Dr. Patrialis Akbar, emphasized that a judge's primary asset in upholding justice is strong integrity.

He made the remarks while speaking at a training on the Strengthening of Supreme Court's Integrity and Anti-Corruption held in Indonesia's Bogor District, West Java Province, on Wednesday (May 22), in a session titled 'Reflection on Anti-Corruption Values'.

According to Dr. Patrialis, integrity is a fundamental foundation that every judge must possess to be able to carry out their duties fairly, independently, and unwaveringly under pressure or temptation.

"The primary 'asset' for a judge to achieve justice is integrity. Integrity must be the primary filter in every decision-making process," said the former Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, from 2009 to 2011.

He further explained that a judge's integrity is reflected in at least three main aspects. First, the steadfastness of spirit in adhering to the principles of truth, both in calm situations and when facing various temptations.

"If a judge is calm in spirit, or when facing temptation, remains steadfast in his position, then he or she would not turn away from the truth," said Dr. Patrialis, who served as a Constitutional Court Justice at the Constitutional Court from 2013 to 2017.

Second, he continued, integrity demands harmony among words, attitudes, and actions. "Deeds, attitudes, and words must be in harmony. There must be no lies," he emphasized.

The third aspect, he said, is true integrity, reflected when a judge delivers a verdict with a calm heart and without any burden, because the decision is based solely on truth and justice.

"When the gavel falls, one's heart must be calm. There must be no sense of burden from any perspective. What remains is the belief that the decision is correct and just," he explained.

Patrialis also emphasized the importance of reflecting on anti-corruption values ​​for judges. According to him, judges play a significant role in determining a person's fate on this earth, making integrity an absolute, non-negotiable requirement.

"If a judge lacks integrity, they would certainly be indesicive, justice would not be achieved, and they are very likely to favor certain interests. But if they possess integrity, they have a solid foundation and would not easily fall into unlawful acts," he said.

Addressing the audience, including judges and chief justices from various regions across Indonesia, Dr. Patrialis also emphasized the importance of maintaining independence and exercising caution in their relationships.

He reminded judges to be wise in choosing their circle of friends and not to allow themselves to be influenced by pressure from any party when deciding a case.

"In deciding a case, do not be influenced by anyone's pressure. Judges must be independent, free, and fearless. As long as we are right, there is no fear," he emphasized

He concluded his message with a moral emphasis that judges must ensure the law is enforced appropriately and fairly.

"Judges should not sentence people who have not committed a crime," Dr. Patrialis said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window