Deputy Minister of Law reminds advocates of their important role in human rights protection
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Law Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej has reminded that the role of advocates is vital in law enforcement, especially in the protection of human rights.
He stated that based on the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), advocates have the right to accompany parties involved in legal proceedings from the examination stage, whether as suspects, defendants, witnesses, or victims.
“The involvement of advocates is aligned and emphasised in the context of human rights protection for individuals because they are the ones providing the defence,” said the man familiarly known as Eddy during the inauguration of the Peradi Profesional board in Jakarta on Friday (8/5), as quoted from a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
Eddy said advocates are entitled to accompany during the examination stage for those being legally processed, whether as suspects or defendants, witnesses, or victims.
He added that the KUHAP also protects the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and the sick.
In addition, there are additional powers for advocates in the new KUHAP, namely to lodge objections in legal proceedings.
“Advocates not only accompany, but they also have the right to lodge objections. Even better in the new KUHAP, those objections are recorded in the examination report,” he said.
On the same occasion, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto emphasised that advocates are strategic partners in law enforcement, not parties opposing the KPK.
“At the KPK, we see advocates as strategic partners, not enemies. Colleagues are part of law enforcement that ensures processes run according to the corridor,” said Setyo.
Nevertheless, he reminded of the importance of maintaining integrity in practising the advocate profession. The KPK, he said, would not hesitate to take action against parties that hinder legal processes.
Setyo also touched on the mission of Perhimpunan Advokat Indonesia (Peradi) Profesional, which promotes the concept of modern and intellectual advocates. He hoped this would not merely be a slogan.
He said modernity in law means adaptation to technology, while intellectuality means depth of understanding of the morality of law itself.
Thus, the KPK opens its doors wide for collaboration, particularly in prevention and anti-corruption education for advocates.
Meanwhile, General Chairman of Peradi Profesional Harris Arthur Hedar said his organisation is present as a response to the needs of the times, not due to internal advocate conflicts.
“Peradi Profesional is present not to create division and not because of conflict; there is no conflict. But as an answer to the needs of the times,” said Harris.
He revealed that advocate organisations must be able to adapt to changes, including technological developments and increasingly complex legal dynamics.
It was mentioned that the legal world is changing, technology is changing, and advocate organisations must not be left behind.
Thus, Peradi Profesional wants to build an advocate organisation that is modern in system, strong in intellectuality, high in ethics, and bold in fighting for justice.