Attorney General Criticises 'No Viral No Justice' Phenomenon, Demands Prosecutors Be Proactive and Transparent
Attorney General ST Burhanuddin has called on the prosecution service to avoid becoming trapped in reactive working patterns. He has instructed the Korps Adhyaksa (prosecution corps) to transform into a proactive institution consistent in upholding the rule of law without waiting for legitimacy from public opinion.
Burhanuddin conveyed this message during a virtual working visit attended by all levels of the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office on Thursday, 12 March 2026. The event also included officials from the Attorney General’s Office representatives in Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Riyadh.
“Recently, the phenomenon of ‘no viral, no justice’ has become a matter of attention, serving as fundamental self-criticism for the prosecution service to avoid becoming trapped in reactive working patterns. Instead, it must transform into an institution that is proactive and consistent in upholding the rule of law without waiting for legitimacy from public opinion,” the Attorney General said in a statement on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Beyond addressing this phenomenon, the Attorney General also issued critical remarks regarding substantive errors that persist in case handling. He instructed all ranks to enhance their comprehensive understanding of legal substance, particularly in implementing new regulations in the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).
Burhanuddin also emphasised the importance of professionally and accountably applying the principle of Dominus Litis. According to him, this authority must be used to ensure justice proceeds objectively, even in situations that do not receive public scrutiny.
On the same occasion, the Attorney General reminded all prosecution officials to maintain integrity ahead of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri celebrations. He stressed that this moment must not be used as an opportunity to engage in corrupt practices that could damage public trust in the prosecution service.
“Prosecutors are neither transactional tools nor instruments for extorting the public. There will be no tolerance for officials who betray their oath of office,” he asserted.
Burhanuddin noted that public trust in the prosecution service currently stands at a high level, nearly reaching 80 per cent according to the latest survey. This figure places the prosecution service in third position among state institutions with the highest levels of public trust.
Beyond emphasising law enforcement aspects, the Attorney General also requested regional prosecutors to assume a strategic role in supporting the government’s economic policies. One such initiative involves active participation in regional inflation control forums.
Burhanuddin also addressed case administration matters within the prosecution service. He instructed unit leaders to conduct comprehensive evaluation and inventory of case evidence that has achieved final legal status but has not yet been fully executed.
This step is considered important to ensure proper case administration and maintain accountability in case handling within the prosecution service. According to him, all these efforts represent a collective dedication of prosecution personnel in preserving the dignity of the institution whilst enhancing the quality of legal services to the public.
Concluding his remarks, Burhanuddin extended Eid al-Fitr greetings for 1447 Hijri to all members of the Korps Adhyaksa. He called on his subordinates to preserve the dignity of the constitution.
“In closing, I call upon all prosecution personnel, wherever you are serving, to continue preserving the dignity of the institution, strengthen its solidarity, and work with full dedication, integrity, and responsibility,” the Attorney General concluded.