Jakarta – Public Relations: The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Sunarto, S.H., M.H., officially inaugurated nine Chief Judges of Religious High Courts on Wednesday (June 3) at the Supreme Court Building in Jakarta.

The officials inaugurated were:

1. Drs. Abdullah, S.H., M.H., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Banten;
2. Drs. Nur Khazim, M.H., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Palembang;
3. Dr. Chazim Maksalina, M.H., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Padang;
4. Dra. Erni Zurnilah, M.H., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Kendari;
5. Dra. Nia Nurhamidah Romli, M.H., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Jambi;
6. Dr. Dra. Nur Djannah Syaf, S.H., M.H., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Gorontalo;
7. Drs. Asrofi, S.H., M.H., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Jayapura;
8. Dr. Dra. Siti Zurbaniyah, S.H., M.H.I., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of Bengkulu; and
9. Dr. Acep Saifudin, S.H., M.Ag., as Chief Judge of the Religious High Court of West Papua.

In his remarks, Prof. Sunarto reminded the newly inaugurated officials that their appointment marks the beginning of a significant responsibility before God, the people, and the nation.

The Chief Justice emphasized that a position of leadership should never be viewed as a symbol of personal privilege.

“The position we hold today is not merely a symbol of personal privilege, but a trust that carries a noble responsibility. A leader is present to serve, not to be served. True leadership is not measured by the extent of one’s authority, but by the impact one can make on the lives of many people,” he said.

He further reminded the officials to avoid pragmatic leadership that uses authority for personal gain and strays from ethical principles.

Prof. Sunarto also highlighted the importance of synergy and collaboration within the workplace. According to him, a true leader is not someone who walks alone, but someone who is able to embrace and empower the potential of every member of the organization.

“If you only want to arrive quickly, walk alone. But if you want to achieve great and lasting goals, walk together,” the Chief Justice stated.

He expressed his belief that by fostering a participatory, trust-based, and respectful work culture, even the heaviest workload can be managed more effectively.

Addressing the challenges of the modern era—ranging from limited resources and increasing public service demands to issues of integrity—the Chief Justice stressed that leaders must be responsive and proactive. They should not merely observe problems, let alone become part of them.

“In situations like these, a leader must be present as a provider of solutions, not merely as an observer, and certainly not as part of the problem. On the contrary, you are expected to become a problem solver within the organization you lead,” he emphasized.

He advised that every challenge should be addressed comprehensively through innovative solutions that remain in compliance with prevailing laws and regulations.

At the conclusion of his speech, Prof. Sunarto invited all those present to reflect on the true meaning of public office as a means of serving others and seeking the pleasure of the Almighty, rather than as an illusion of power and prestige.

“Let us change our orientation. When we accept a mandate, we are actually signing a contract—not only with fellow human beings, but also with the Creator,” he concluded.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by theVice  Chief Justice for Judicial Affairs, the Deputy Chief Justice for Non-Judicial Affairs, the Chairs of Chambers, Echelon I and II officials, as well as other invited guests. (sk/ds, Photo: sno, kdr, end/ translation: azh)