TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Master's Programme in Notary Studies Chairman Widodo confirmed the number of notaries in Indonesia is still insufficient. Widodo pointed to a number of eastern Indonesia still very lacking in notary services. "Even in Kaimana, Papua, there is only one notary," he stated.
Widodo also remarked the quality of notary depends on the college where he studies. "That's the main thing. If the college is not good, it will affect the alumni," said Widodo. By law, according to him, a college with notary studies program can be evaluated every time by the Directorate General of Higher Education. "But when it comes to accreditation, it will be done every five years," he added. Now in Indonesia, there are about 37 universities (state and private college) opened notary studies program.
Previously, the Indonesian Notary Association and General Law Administration Directorate General complained about the current quality of notary was low. "Almost every day there is a complaint about the notary," said General Secretary of the Indonesian Notary Association (INI), Tri Firdaus Akbarsyah.
So far there has been no response from the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education regarding complaints and requests for a notary studies moratorium. According to Widodo, Ministry of Law and Human Rights starting April this year will conduct competency tests for notary candidates to get better quality and can really help the society.
LESTANTYA R. BASKORO
