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Denpasar – The Faculty of Law at Udayana University held a Public Lecture featuring the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. H. Sunarto, SH., MH., and the Head of the Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court, I Gusti Agung Sumanatha, SH., MH., as keynote speakers. The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Wyasa Putra, SH., M.Hum. This public lecture raised a highly relevant and profound theme: "Building Integrity and the Ethical Challenges of the Legal Profession in the Era of Society 5.0."

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Udayana University, Prof. Putu Gede Arya Sumerta Yasa, stated that the legal profession is one of the noble professions (officium nobile), bearing a significant responsibility in upholding justice and truth in society. However, we must also acknowledge that in the era of Society 5.0—an era marked by the integration of technology and human life—the legal profession is facing increasingly complex challenges.

“Integrity is no longer just a slogan. It is the foundation of public trust. When ethics are compromised, the law loses its meaning. Therefore, it is crucial, especially for future law graduates and legal practitioners, to understand that intellectual competence alone is not enough. Ethics, morality, and honesty are non-negotiable elements,” he emphasized.

He further expressed hope that the event would open new horizons, awaken ethical awareness, and strengthen everyone's commitment to upholding the law with integrity and conscience.

Meanwhile, the Rector of Udayana University, in remarks delivered by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Gusti Ngurah Alit Susanta Wirya, expressed appreciation and gratitude for the willingness of the Chief Justice to share his knowledge, insights, experience, and valuable perspectives in strengthening character and professionalism in the field of law.

In the face of increasingly complex global dynamics, challenges to the ethics and integrity of the legal profession are becoming more tangible. Today’s legal system demands not only formal law enforcement, but also a firm adherence to moral values, justice, and integrity by legal professionals.

In this so-called Society 5.0 era—where technology is deeply integrated into human life—ethical issues are becoming more intricate. Information spreads rapidly, public opinion can form in seconds, and pressure on the legal profession is intensifying.

Today’s public lecture serves as a crucial moment to reflect on the true meaning of the legal profession, and to foster critical awareness among law students, the future enforcers of law, that legal expertise alone is not sufficient—it must be accompanied by strong integrity and high ethical responsibility.

It is hoped that this meeting will inspire and ignite a renewed spirit in shaping a legal generation that is not only intellectually competent but also morally wise.

In his presentation, Chief Justice Prof. Sunarto conveyed that one of the key challenges in the legal profession is the use of technology in judicial services. This challenge has had a significant impact, as data is now easily accessible to the public—supported by instant communication tools and easier access to legal information. On one hand, this promotes efficiency and transparency in the judicial process, but on the other hand, it also brings new challenges in maintaining the integrity and ethics of the legal profession.

"Let us uphold the professionalism of the legal profession, so that we can inspire awareness to make this profession competent, full of integrity, and capable of providing solutions for the people," he concluded.