Fajarasia.id – The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has officially passed the Draft Criminal Procedure Code (RKUHAP) into law during a plenary session on Tuesday. The decision was made under the leadership of DPR Speaker Puan Maharani after hearing the report from Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman.
“Now we ask for the approval of all factions, can the KUHAP Bill be ratified into law?” Puan asked during the session. All members present unanimously responded, “Agreed,” marking the formal enactment of the KUHAP Bill.
Speaking separately, Puan emphasized that the report delivered by Commission III was clear and comprehensive. She urged the public not to be swayed by misinformation circulating about the substance of the newly passed KUHAP.
“The explanation from the Chairman of Commission III is very clear and easy to understand. The hoaxes spreading are simply not true. Hopefully, misunderstandings can be resolved together,” Puan stated.
The Working Committee on the KUHAP Bill agreed on 14 major points that form the backbone of Indonesia’s criminal procedure reform:
- Alignment of criminal procedure law with national and international legal developments.
- Adjustment of values in line with the new Criminal Code, emphasizing restorative, rehabilitative, and restitutive approaches.
- Clearer differentiation of roles between investigators, prosecutors, judges, lawyers, and community leaders.
- Improved authority and coordination among investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies.
- Strengthening the rights of suspects, defendants, victims, and witnesses, including protection from threats and violence.
- Reinforcing the role of lawyers as integral to the justice system.
- Establishing mechanisms for restorative justice.
- Special protections for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women, children, and the elderly.
- Enhanced safeguards for persons with disabilities throughout all stages of proceedings.
- Improved regulation of coercive measures, reinforcing the principle of due process of law.
- Introduction of new legal mechanisms such as plea bargaining and deferred prosecution for corporations.
- Regulation of corporate criminal liability.
- Provision of compensation, restitution, and rehabilitation rights for victims or affected parties.
- Modernization of criminal procedure to ensure justice that is swift, simple, transparent, and accountable.
The passage of KUHAP marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s legal reform agenda. Lawmakers hope the new code will strengthen protections for citizens, modernize judicial processes, and align Indonesia’s criminal justice system with global standards.****
