32ND ANNIVERSARY of PERPAHI, REINFORCES RETIRED JUDGES’ ROLE IN UPHOLDING JUDICIAL INTEGRITY AND LAUNCHES MEDIATION CENTER
Jakarta – Public Relations: The Indonesian Association of Retired Judges (PERPAHI) celebrated its 32nd anniversary alongside a Halal Bihalal gathering at the Secretariat Building of the Supreme Court (MA) in Central Jakarta on Saturday (April 11).
This year’s commemoration carried the theme “Retirement from Office, Eternal Commitment to Upholding Judicial Honor and Cross-Generational Judicial Values.”
Through this theme, retired judges reaffirmed that although they have stepped down from their official positions, their role in the legal field continues.
Representing the Supreme Court leadership at the event was the Vice Chief Justice for Non-Judicial Affairs, Dr. Dwiarso Budi Santiarto, S.H., M.Hum., who also serves as Advisor to PERPAHI. He was accompanied by the Chiefs Chamber and Supreme Court Justices. Also in attendance were Judicial Commission (KY) Commissioner F. Willem Saija, a retired judge, echelon I officials of the Supreme Court, members of PERPAHI’s Expert and Supervisory Boards, as well as leaders and retired judges from the Supreme Court and subordinate courts.
Chairman of PERPAHI’s Central Board, Prof. Dr. M. Saleh, S.H., M.H., emphasized that retirement marks only a transition in the space of service, not its end.
“Retirement is not the end of our service. Rather, it is a transformation—from the often tense courtroom to a different space of life, one filled with calmness and continuous exemplary conduct,” said M. Saleh.
He noted that one of the key milestones of this 32nd anniversary was the inauguration of the PERPAHI Mediation Center, officially established under Minister of Law Decree No. AHU.0000260.AHU.01.08 of 2026. This initiative reflects the continued contribution of retired judges in assisting the public to resolve disputes outside the court system in a professional and independent manner.
“The vision of the PERPAHI Mediation Centre is to realize professional, independent, and trustworthy out-of-court mediation as a pillar of dispute resolution culture within Indonesia’s legal system, grounded in Pancasila,” he affirmed.
The event also served as an opportunity to strengthen bonds through the Halal Bihalal tradition. M. Saleh, who previously served as Deputy Chief Justice for Judicial Affairs, encouraged members to maintain the solidarity built during their active service.
“While we were in office, we were united under IKAHI (Indonesian Judges Association), after retirement, we are united in PERPAHI,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the organization.
In closing, the Chairman expressed hope and prayers that the organization, established on April 9, 1994, will continue to contribute to law enforcement in Indonesia.
PERPAHI has a long history spanning 32 years. It was founded on April 9, 1994, in Malang at the initiative of then Chief Justice H.R. Purwoto Suhadi Ganda Subroto, S.H., with Djazuli Bahar, S.H., serving as its first chairman.
The organization was established as a platform for retired judges to continue contributing, uphold the dignity of the judiciary, and serve justice for the Indonesian people. PERPAHI officially became a legal entity in 2023.
Over time, its leadership has continued to evolve. Since January 25, 2020, the organization has been led by Prof. Dr. M. Saleh, S.H., M.H., who was reappointed as formatur on January 10, 2026. (sk/ds/RS/Photo:kdr,end /translation:azh)