Indonesia seeks reform of advocate profession and legal governance

Dr. I Wayan Sudirta, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has emphasized the urgent need for reform within the advocate profession in Indonesia. This call for reform follows Constitutional Court Decision Number 126/PUU-XXIV/2026, which established a deadline for the creation of a new Law on Advocates.

The legal landscape is further shifting due to the enactment of Law Number 20 of 2025 regarding Criminal Procedure, which significantly impacts the roles and functions of advocates. Currently, the profession has transitioned from a single unified organization under Law Number 18 of 2003 to a multi-organization model. While this reflects constitutional freedoms of association, it has led to debates regarding declining service quality, credibility, and difficulties in addressing ethical and disciplinary violations.

Strengthening governance is viewed as essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that advocates maintain the high levels of competence, professionalism, and moral integrity required of the 'officium nobile' (noble profession).