Indonesia President-elect Prabowo promises higher salaries, improved benefits for judges amid nationwide strike

The base monthly salary for a first-year judge is 2 million rupiah (US$128.20), with significant allowances, bringing their total earnings to about 16.6 million rupiah per month.

According to data platform Statista, the average net monthly salary in Indonesia is around 3 million rupiah.

Another judge brought up how he was unable to return home to attend his mother’s funeral, due to financial difficulties.

“In 2020, I was down with COVID-19 and I also received news that my mother had passed away but I was unable to attend the funeral because of my financial situation,” he said while holding back his tears, local media platform Kumparan reported.

According to the Jakarta Globe, Indonesia has approximately 7,700 judges at district, provincial and national levels. 

During the call, Mr Dasco brought his mobile phone closer to the microphone to ensure that Mr Prabowo’s voice could be heard clearly by the judges, local media platform Kompas.com reported.

Addressing the judges, Mr Prabowo reiterated that he has long paid attention to the welfare of judges in the country. 

“I have always paid great attention to the judges,” he said, adding that he also hoped to be able to do a face-to-face meeting with them. 

Kompas reported that the judges responded to the phone call by giving a standing ovation. Some were reportedly seen to be moved to tears.

“This is not a promise, the (presidential) campaign is over so I don’t have to promise anything. This is my commitment, so I urge all of you (judges) to remain patient for a while.

“As soon as I officially take over and start my role, I will really pay attention to the judges,” said Mr Prabowo, as quoted in another local news outlet, Detiknews. 

“We must unite, with the strong supporting the weak to ensure our country prospers together. I was shocked by your situation but I am already planning how to improve it,” he reassured the judges, while stressing the importance of solidarity. 

Mr Prabowo will be sworn in on Oct 20 this year, alongside President Joko Widodo’s son, Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Thousands of judges participated in a nationwide strike which began on Monday, pushing for a wage increase of 142 per cent, citing inflation and the rising cost of living.

The Supreme Court however clarified that it was not a formal strike as it was only “coordinated leave” by members of the Indonesian Judges Union (SHI).

In response to this, Mr Widodo has confirmed that the issue is also currently under review by three ministries – the Ministry of Bureaucratic Reform, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Human Rights.