Indonesian judge SW dismissed for taking approximately Rp2 billion bribe

The Majelis Kehormatan Hakim (Judicial Honor Council), comprising members of the Judicial Commission and the Supreme Court, sentenced former Kudus District Court chief judge SW to a non‑honorable dismissal. The council found he had received about Rp1.9‑2 billion in payment for a house auction while serving as chief judge, money that was supposed to be deposited with the bank but was instead used for personal expenses, including a private company, mortgage payments and office costs.

The sanction was imposed under Article 19(4)e of the joint regulations of the Supreme Court and Judicial Commission governing judicial ethics. In delivering the verdict, the council chair Hamdi said, “Menjatuhkan sanksi berat berupa pemberhentian tidak dengan hormat,” emphasizing the seriousness of the breach. The case follows earlier disciplinary actions against SW, including a six‑month non‑court‑duty sanction in 2023 and multiple reports of procedural irregularities and misuse of authority.

SW had previously claimed health issues, which delayed the hearing, and he expressed an intention to repay the funds, though his loan applications were rejected. The decision underscores ongoing efforts to enforce integrity within Indonesia’s judiciary.