HAkA Foundation and Banda Aceh High Court Host Second Basic Training for Environmental Judges

Banda Aceh, Indonesia – HAkA Foundation in partnership with the Banda Aceh High Court held the second Basic Training for Environmental Judges. The training, held from August 27-29, 2024, at the Ayani Hotel in Banda Aceh, was designed for judges from district courts across Aceh as well as those from the Banda Aceh High Court.

This year marks the second iteration of the Basic Training for Environmental Judges, following the inaugural session in June 2023 at the Kyriad Muraya Hotel in Banda Aceh. The number of participants has seen an increase, with 29 judges from 21 district courts from 22 regencies and cities attending, compared to 24 participants last year.

In his opening remarks, Dr. H. Suharjono, S.H., M.Hum, Chief of the Banda Aceh High Court, emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship in judicial decisions. He urged judges to deliver rulings that contribute to environmental preservation and prevent further damage.

"As stated in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 41, the corruption on land and sea is caused by human hands. Allah allows them to experience the consequences of their actions so they may return to the right path," remarked Chief Justice Suharjono.

The training featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Agung Dwi Nurcahya from the HAkA Foundation, Prof. Dr. Efendi, S.H., M.Si, and Dr. Yanis Rinaldi, S.H., M.Hum from the Faculty of Law at Syiah Kuala University, Ir. Subhan, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU from the Faculty of Forestry at Syiah Kuala University, Isna Fatimah and Fajri Fadhillah from ICEL, and Joni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D from the Aceh Provincial Environment and Forestry Service. Additionally, the training benefitted from the expertise of Banda Aceh High Court judges, including Isnurul Syamsul Arif, S.H., M.Hum, Dr. H. Taqwaddin, S.H., S.E., M.S., and Rahmawati, S.H.

On the final day, the training welcomed His Excellency Supreme Court Justice Dr. Lucas Prakoso, S.H., M.Hum, and Jakarta High Court Judge Sugeng Riyono, S.H., M.H., as guest speakers. They provided insights into the procedural and substantive aspects of civil law related to the environment and natural resources, as well as guidance on the process of evidence evaluation and the formulation of legal considerations in environmental cases.

Badrul Irfan, Founder of the HAkA Foundation, highlighted the purpose of the training, stating that it aims to enhance judges' knowledge and understanding of various aspects of environmental adjudication. He emphasized the importance of strengthening judges' competence in considering the social, ecological, and economic impacts in their rulings.

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished judges, participating in the second Basic Training for Environmental Judges are expected to be better prepared and capable of facing challenges in adjudicating environmental cases, leading to improved and fair decisions that take into account social, ecological, and economic impacts," Badrul Irfan stated in his speech.

Responding to media inquiries about the importance of the training, Dr. H. Taqwaddin, S.H., S.E., M.S., one of the speakers, stressed the significance of the program for judges.

"In my view, the second Basic Training for Environmental Judges is both valuable and productive. It is essential for judges to have a foundational understanding of environmental issues, encompassing administrative, civil, and criminal aspects, to make informed decisions in environmental cases," Taqwaddin concluded.