Legal Literacy - The Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) sting operation against the Head and Deputy Head of the Depok District Court in February 2026 should dispel an old illusion: improving the welfare of judges is important, but it does not automatically eliminate corruption. In that case, the KPK stated that there was a request for a fee of IDR 1 billion, which was then agreed upon to be IDR 850 million, to expedite the execution of the eviction of a 6,500 square meter plot of land. Five people were named as suspects, including the Head of the Depok District Court, the Deputy Head of the Depok District Court, a bailiff, and two parties from PT Karabha Digdaya.

It's Not Just About Salary Anymore

This case feels ironic because it comes not long after the government increased judges' allowances through Government Regulation Number 42 of 2025. Even for the Head of a Class IA Court, the allowance is said to reach IDR 79 million per month. However, precisely after the Depok District Court case exploded, the Judicial Commission stated clearly that the big problem of judicial corruption is not solely welfare, but the integrity of judges. The message is clear: remuneration can improve the dignity of the position, but it does not automatically build an anti-corruption character.