Jakarta — Emotions ran high as representatives of Indonesian judges shed tears of gratitude upon hearing President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to improving their welfare. This touching moment unfolded during a phone call between Prabowo and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, during an audience with the Indonesian Judges’ Solidarity at the DPR/MPR/DPD RI building in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (October 8).
During the call, Prabowo assured the judges that once he is officially inaugurated as President on October 20, 2024, he is fully committed to enhancing their quality of life.
“From the beginning, my plan has always been to improve the remuneration and income of judges so that it becomes significantly better,” Prabowo affirmed, sparking applause and tears of joy from the attending judges.
In the same conversation, Prabowo urged the judges to be patient for just a little while longer, as his inauguration was just days away.
“This is not a campaign promise because the campaign is already over, so I don’t need to make any promises. I just ask the judges to be patient for a bit longer. Once I take office and receive the mandate, I will truly pay attention to the welfare of the judges,” Prabowo emphasized.
Prabowo admitted he was surprised and moved when he heard about the judges’ current struggles, especially regarding their inadequate earnings.
“To the honorable judges, please be patient. I was also shocked when I heard about your conditions, but I have already planned how to improve your situation,” Prabowo reassured.
A representative from the Indonesian Judges Association revealed during the audience that judges have not received a salary increase in 12 years.
“For newly appointed judges, their net income is around Rp 12 million. This includes a base salary of Rp 3.5 million and an allowance of Rp 8.5 million. Meanwhile, we have families, children, and parents to support,” explained Rangga, a representative from the Indonesian Judges Association. (RR)
