Fierce Debate Over Bar Associations

Hundreds of attorneys crowded around the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout fountain in Jakarta. Dressed in flowing black robes with white bands around their necks, they had not gathered for a trial. On Thursday morning two weeks ago, the leadership and members of the Indonesian Advocates Association (Peradi), who had come from around the country, were staging a protest. They are opposed to a draft law on advocates now being discussed at the House of Representatives (DPR).

Peradi has been strident in its rejection of the law. Their opposition began around two years ago, when they became aware that the law would be included in the 2012-2014 National Legislative Program. "We are happy with the current law. The proposal being discussed by the DPR will undermine the independence of advocates," Otto Hasibuan, chairman of Peradi's executive board, said on Friday last week.