UNAIR NEWS – An Honorary Professor from Universitas Airlangga’s (UNAIR) Faculty of Law has officially been sworn in as Chief Justice of Indonesia’s Supreme Court for the 2024-2029 term. Prof. (HCUA) Dr. H. Sunarto, S.H., M.H., a graduate of UNAIR’s Faculty of Law, was inaugurated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Supreme Court building in Jakarta.
Prof. (HCUA) Sunarto won the election in a single round, securing the support of 30 justices. He bested three other candidates: Haswandi with four votes; Soesilo with one vote; and Yulius with seven votes.
In his remarks, Prof. (HCUA) Sunarto expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the trust placed in him. He hopes his leadership will bring benefits to all. “I have always prayed that if this position is meant to bring good to me, the nation, and the country, then may it be granted to me. And Allah has answered my prayers,” he said during a broadcast on the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel.
Reflection of democracy
Prof. (HCUA) Sunarto emphasized that the election process exemplified the democratic principles that have been upheld within the Supreme Court. ” This reflects the values cultivated by our predecessors throughout the Supreme Court’s history. We are not familiar with smear campaigns; instead, we engage in lifelong campaigns of integrity,” he explained.
He also highlighted that all the candidates were among the finest in the Supreme Court, evidenced by the rigorous processes involved, from capacity evaluations to integrity tests.
“Capacity is tested during our joint sessions with fellow justices, while integrity is demonstrated through daily interactions. The independence of the justices during the election was not influenced by external pressure but rooted in a shared sense of trust and respect, producing a truly democratic outcome,” added the professor who is a Sumenep native.
In conclusion, Prof. (HCUA) Sunarto thanked everyone involved, especially the justices who exercised their voting rights responsibly. He concluded by affirming that under his leadership, he will focus on enhancing collaboration and unity to achieve the institution’s continued success.
Author: Yulia Rohmawati
