Judicial Integrity in Indonesia: Addressing Corruption Risks in Court Administration and Judicial Decision-Making

Ridwan Arifin; Sergi Fernandez Alejandro; Indah Sri Utari; Ali Masyhar

doi:10.65815/fr30gw44

Authors

Ridwan Arifin Universitas Negeri Semarang Author
Sergi Fernandez Alejandro Sociedad Civil de Derecho y Políticas Públicas Author
Indah Sri Utari Universitas Negeri Semarang Author
Ali Masyhar Universitas Negeri Semarang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65815/fr30gw44

Keywords:

Judicial corruption, judicial integrity, courts, accountability, Indonesia

Abstract

Judicial integrity is fundamental to the rule of law because courts exercise authority over individual rights, public administration, and economic disputes. Corruption within judicial institutions can undermine equality before the law and public confidence in legal institutions. This article examines corruption risks within Indonesian court administration and judicial decision-making. Using normative juridical and institutional analysis, the study evaluates judicial ethics, administrative procedures, case allocation, asset disclosure, disciplinary mechanisms, and external oversight. The article argues that judicial anti-corruption policy should address both direct bribery and structural vulnerabilities that create opportunities for improper influence. The study proposes an integrity framework incorporating transparent case management, random case allocation, strengthened asset monitoring, conflict-of-interest disclosure, independent complaint mechanisms, and protection for individuals reporting judicial misconduct. Particular attention is given to the interaction between court users, legal professionals, and judicial officials. The article concludes that judicial integrity requires institutional safeguards capable of reducing discretionary opportunities for corruption while preserving judicial independence. Anti-corruption mechanisms should therefore be carefully designed to enhance accountability without enabling inappropriate interference with legitimate judicial decision-making.

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