Adian on Annotated Criminal Procedure Code: Legal Certainty is the People's Primary Need

The House of Representatives’ Public Aspiration Body (BAM) received the annotated edition of the newly revised Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) produced by the DPR’s Commission III at its launch in the parliamentary complex on Tuesday (14 July).

BAM Deputy Chairman Adian Napitupulu regarded the annotated KUHAP as a new chapter in Indonesia’s legal system. He said the KUHAP provides certainty for every citizen who comes into contact with the law.

“BAM DPR RI views legal certainty as one of the public’s primary needs, as an instrument to ensure that justice is upheld for anyone, including those affected by state policies,” Adian said in his statement.

The launch of the annotated KUHAP book was attended by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto, several DPR leaders, and representatives of all House internal bodies (AKD).

Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman said in his remarks that the annotated KUHAP contains explanations of various provisions that could still raise questions among the public.

According to him, the public has the right to receive explanations of articles in the KUHAP that are considered unclear. As the institution that forms legislation together with the government, the DPR has a responsibility to provide an interpretation that can serve as a reference.

“The public is entitled to an explanation whenever there are provisions that remain unclear. The DPR, as the body that drafted the KUHAP, is the most appropriate party to provide answers to these questions,” he said.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, meanwhile, described the annotated KUHAP as a monumental work by the DPR that will serve as a common guide for all law enforcement officials in implementing the Code.

As a result, he said, the implementation of the KUHAP will no longer give rise to multiple interpretations among the public or law enforcers.

“So that in its application and implementation, it can truly fulfil the sense of justice expected in the KUHAP,” Listyo said.