Yudhoyono Expresses Shock at Arrest of Chief Justice

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he was shocked and deeply concerned upon hearing the arrest of the constitutional court's chief justice Akil Mochtar by an anti-graft agency on Wednesday night. "We are all shocked to hear about the arrest of the constitutional court's chief justice, along with a legislator, a district head and two others by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) last night," he said during a press conference held to address the arrest on Thursday. The President stated that he was especially concerned because the arrests involved the leader of a state institution, who plays a very important role and is a figure of authority in nationhood and statehood. "I can feel the anger and shock of the Indonesian people upon knowing what happened last night. This morning I communicated with a number of officials after receiving reports about it from the minister/state secretary. KPK informed me as the head of state about the legal action it had taken against the state institution's chief," he noted. Yudhoyono further said, "This is shocking. Moreover, the constitution court is a very important institution. Its role is big and it determines the country's statehood." Expressing grave concern, the President pointed out, "The Constitutional Court's role is very important. Its ruling is final and binding, based on our constitution while cases it deals with involve fundamental and basic issues, such as laws, disputes between state institutions and results of elections. Imagine what would happen if its ruling were wrong, or violations had been committed. Even if no violation is made, if the ruling is wrong its impact will be huge on statehood." President Yudhoyono said he hoped the case will be handled according to existing procedures. (*)