Prabowo announces 280 percent pay hike for judges

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced the government’s decision to increase judges’ salaries, with those at the most junior level receiving raises of up to 280 percent.

"I, Prabowo Subianto, the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby announce that the wages of judges will be elevated for the sake of better living standards," he remarked during the inauguration of 1,451 judges at the Supreme Court Headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday.

The head of state explained that the salary increase varies depending on the position but assured that junior-level judges will see up to a 280 percent rise. He also pledged to oversee the implementation of this policy.

The newly appointed judges responded to the announcement with enthusiastic applause.

Prabowo then addressed other Supreme Court employees, suggesting that the state could raise their salaries as well.

"To all other employees, I ask for your patience. I have reviewed the figures, and they show that our country is strong, prosperous, and rich. Most importantly, we must use this wealth to serve the people's interests," he emphasized.

He delivered these remarks in the presence of Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, National Police (Polri) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

This salary announcement came as no surprise, as Prabowo has consistently expressed his determination to improve the welfare of Indonesian judges in recognition of their heavy workloads—even before his presidential inauguration on October 20, 2024.

"I already have a plan to improve your conditions," he told judges via a phone call at a meeting between the Parliament and a coalition of Indonesian judges in Jakarta on October 8 last year.

Later, during the Special Session of the Supreme Court Annual Report for 2024 on February 19, 2025, the president again emphasized his commitment to raising the judges’ living standards.

"I have repeatedly brought this matter up, and some experts have said, 'Sir, the condition is actually like this, actually like that.' However, today, I emphasize that our judges deserve the best quality of life," he stated in Jakarta.