Banjarmasin – The Chairman of the Indonesian Advocates Movement Council (DePA-RI), Dr. TM. Luthfi Yazid, has proposed to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to increase the salaries of substitute court clerks (PP) at all levels of courts across Indonesia.

According to a DePA-RI press statement, the proposal to raise the salaries of substitute clerks was presented by Luthfi Yazid during the 1st anniversary celebration of DePA-RI in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on August 9, 2025.

The Chairman of DePA-RI outlined two reasons for the proposed salary increase. First, President Prabowo had already decided in June 2025 to raise judges’ salaries by up to 280 percent following nationwide protests (referred to as “collective leave”) by judges in early October the previous year.

It is reported that the salary increase for judges will soon be implemented, meaning the Government Regulation on judicial pay raises will be enacted. Since judges’ salaries are set to rise, Luthfi argued that it is only fair for substitute clerks to also receive a salary adjustment.

“The workload of substitute clerks is extremely heavy. While judges determine hearing schedules, the technical arrangements are handled by substitute clerks,” said the DePA-RI Chairman.

Substitute clerks are responsible for case administration, physical files, and recording all court proceedings. A single error in documenting expert testimonies, witness statements, or defendant records can have severe consequences, as it directly impacts the future of defendants and involved parties.

Managing stacks of case files is also part of their duties, and the workload becomes even heavier when hearings are back-to-back and tasks pile up. Additionally, many courts have an insufficient number of substitute clerks.

Second, courts serve as the last resort for justice seekers. Therefore, court officials must remain focused and not be overburdened in performing their duties.

“We must remember that the constitutional mandate for all of us is that Indonesia is a law-based state. The only way to uphold this is by ensuring fair legal certainty, as mandated by Article 28D, Paragraph (1),” he stated.

Thus, judges and substitute clerks must work in harmony, as both are integral parts of the judicial system (alongside prosecutors and lawyers) with a single goal: to uphold fair legal certainty.

Therefore, while President Prabowo’s plan to raise judges’ salaries is commendable, the DePA-RI Chairman emphasized that it should be accompanied by salary increases for substitute clerks.

Furthermore, he added, President Prabowo must continue to push for and ensure that judicial institutions truly become reliable, independent, and impartial pillars of hope for justice seekers.

Banjarmasin

Banjarmasin is a historic city in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, known as the “River City” due to its extensive network of waterways. Founded in the 16th century, it was once a major trading hub of the Banjar Sultanate and is famous for its floating markets, such as Lok Baintan, where vendors sell goods from traditional boats. The city reflects a blend of Malay, Javanese, and indigenous Dayak cultures, with landmarks like the Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque showcasing its Islamic heritage.

South Kalimantan

South Kalimantan, located on the island of Borneo in Indonesia, is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The region is historically significant as part of the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Negara Dipa and later the Islamic Sultanate of Banjar, which influenced its traditions and architecture. Today, it attracts visitors with its lush rainforests, floating markets, and unique Banjarese culture.

Indonesian Advocates Movement Council (DePA-RI)

The **Indonesian Advocates Movement Council (DePA-RI)** is an organization representing advocates (legal professionals) in Indonesia, dedicated to upholding legal ethics, professionalism, and justice. It emerged as part of efforts to strengthen the legal profession and advocate for judicial reforms in Indonesia. While specific historical details are limited, DePA-RI plays a role in promoting legal education, defending lawyers’ rights, and contributing to the country’s legal development.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, comprising over 17,000 islands, and is known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. Historically, it was influenced by Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, Islamic sultanates, and European colonialism, particularly the Dutch, before gaining independence in 1945. Today, it is a vibrant multicultural nation with UNESCO-recognized sites like Borobudur Temple and Bali’s Subak irrigation system.

President Prabowo Subianto

President Prabowo Subianto is an Indonesian politician and former military officer who became Indonesia’s elected president in 2024. A prominent figure in Indonesian politics, he previously served as the Minister of Defense (2019–2024) and ran for president in 2014 and 2019 before winning the 2024 election. His career has been marked by both military service and political leadership, though his past has been controversial due to allegations of human rights abuses during the late Suharto era.

Article 28D, Paragraph (1)

“Article 28D, Paragraph (1)” is not a specific place or cultural site but rather a legal provision, likely from a constitution or law. For example, in Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, Article 28D(1) guarantees the right to legal recognition, protection, and certainty under the law. If you meant a different location or cultural landmark, please provide more details for an accurate summary.