In Indonesia, the base monthly salary for a first-year judge is 2 million rupiah, with significant allowances bringing their total earnings to about 16.6 million rupiah per month. This is significantly higher than the average net monthly salary in Indonesia, which is around 3 million rupiah. Despite this, some judges have faced financial difficulties, with one judge sharing how he was unable to attend his mother’s funeral due to his financial situation.
There are approximately 7,700 judges in Indonesia at district, provincial, and national levels. Concerns about the welfare of judges were raised during a phone call from Prabowo Subianto, who assured the judges that he has always paid attention to their welfare. The judges responded to the call with a standing ovation and tears of gratitude. Prabowo emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among judges, promising to improve their situation once he officially takes over his role.
Thousands of judges in Indonesia participated in a nationwide strike pushing for a wage increase of 142%. They cited rising inflation and the cost of living as reasons for their demand. However, the Supreme Court stated that it was not a formal strike but rather a coordinated leave by members of the Indonesian Judges Union. The issue is currently under review by the Ministry of Bureaucratic Reform, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Human Rights, and the Ministry of Finance.
Prabowo Subianto, who will be sworn in along with President Joko Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Oct 20, addressed the judges during the strike, expressing his commitment to improving their situation. He reassured the judges that he was already planning how to improve their conditions and stressed the importance of solidarity and unity among them. Prabowo emphasized that his commitment to supporting judges was not a promise but a long-term commitment.
The emotional response of the judges to Prabowo’s call demonstrated the deep impact of the issue of judicial welfare in Indonesia. Judges were moved to tears and expressed their gratitude for the attention and support they received. Prabowo’s message of unity and solidarity resonated with the judges, who have been struggling with financial hardships despite their important role in upholding justice in the country. The upcoming changes in leadership provide hope for improvements in the welfare and working conditions of judges in Indonesia.
