Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights,\nImmigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that\nthe law must be capable of delivering justice that protects human\ndignity, especially for vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n
During the opening of The 10th International Conference on Law and\nJustice (ICLJ) 2026 in Malang, East Java, on Tuesday (7\/7), Yusril\nemphasised that law must not stop at mere regulatory texts and\nprocedures.<\/p>\n
\u201cLegal certainty and procedure are the foundations of a state\ngoverned by law, but the law must not lose its ethical dimension\nbecause, ultimately, the law regulates humans with all their problems\nand limitations,\u201d Yusril said, as confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Yusril explained that while articles regulate actions, it is humans\nwho are being regulated. Similarly, procedures tend to regulate\nprocesses, but it is individuals\u2014who possess fears, hopes, limitations,\nand often suffer\u2014who undergo those processes.<\/p>\n
Consequently, the success of the law is measured not only by the\nexistence of regulations but by the law\u2019s ability to provide real\nprotection for the community.<\/p>\n
If the law only functions effectively for those with power,\neducation, and access, he noted, then it cannot be considered true\njustice.<\/p>\n
Yusril explained that changing times present new challenges for the\nlegal system, ranging from social inequality and migration to digital\ntechnological developments and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, the law must continuously adapt without losing the\nprinciples of justice and humanity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that criminal law reform through Law Number 1 of 2023\nregarding the Criminal Code (KUHP) and Law Number 20 of 2025 regarding\nthe Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) are part of efforts to build a legal\nsystem that is not only oriented towards punishment but also towards\nrestoration.<\/p>\n
It was emphasised that criminal law reform is not merely about\nreplacing legal codes, but rather an effort to transform the face of the\nlaw from a system focused on punishment to one that also aims for\nrestoration.<\/p>\n
Yusril also asserted that the restorative justice approach does not\nmean eliminating legal accountability, but rather ensuring that victim\nrecovery, perpetrator responsibility, and the repair of social\nrelationships remain integral parts of the justice process.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he highlighted the development of artificial\nintelligence (AI), which must remain controlled by ethics and human\nconsideration.<\/p>\n
\u201cArtificial intelligence can assist judges in finding decision\npatterns, but AI must not replace a judge\u2019s conscience. Technology\nshould be subject to human ethical principles, not the other way\naround,\u201d said Yusril.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, he also encouraged academics to produce legal\nstudies that stem from the real problems faced by society.<\/p>\n
He argued that the law must be able to bridge legal certainty with\nsubstantive justice so that its benefits are truly felt by all\ncitizens.<\/p>\n
Yusril expressed hope that the 10th ICLJ could serve as a space for\ncollaboration between academics, legal practitioners, and policymakers\nin strengthening an inclusive and just legal system.<\/p>\n
A developed state governed by law is not the one that is harshest in\npunishing.<\/p>\n
\u201cA developed state governed by law is one that is most capable of\nlimiting its own power, most effective in protecting the weak, and most\nhonest in admitting if its system is not functioning well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The conference, themed \u2018Reimagining Law and Justice: Bridging\nInequality and Protecting the Vulnerable in a Changing World\u2019, discussed\nthe challenges of law and justice amidst social change, technology, and\nglobal dynamics.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/law-must-deliver-justice-protecting-the-vulnerable-says-yusril-1783500925", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }