Deputy Minister Stresses Uniform Understanding of New Criminal Code

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Otto Hasibuan stated that understanding of the new Criminal Code (KUHP) must be uniform to avoid causing confusion among the public. “A shared understanding will create a unity of perception in its implementation,” he said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday. Therefore, he stressed that all ranks within the three technical ministries — the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Human Rights, and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections — must have a comprehensive understanding of the new KUHP. According to him, the successful implementation of the new KUHP depends not only on the regulations that have been drafted but also on the readiness of the apparatus to understand the substance and the spirit of legal reform contained within it. He added that capacity building and inter-agency coordination must be carried out continuously. In addition to strengthening the implementation of the new KUHP, responding to various legal dynamics in the regions was also a focus of the dialogue, which served as a platform for absorbing aspirations and strengthening synergy between the central government and correctional services in the regions. In an open and constructive atmosphere, the heads of Correctional Technical Implementation Units in Aceh conveyed various aspirations, challenges, and actual conditions faced in carrying out correctional duties and functions in their respective areas. The deputy minister gave all participants the opportunity to submit questions and input directly. He considered two-way communication essential to ensure that every policy formulated by the government can address the needs and issues developing in the field. Otto expressed appreciation for the Aceh correctional staff, noting their high level of concern for issues faced by the community. He encouraged the correctional unit officials to coordinate with the relevant technical ministries regarding various problems and concerns in the region, especially in Aceh. “I appreciate all ranks who remain concerned and attentive to these issues, because ultimately everything we do is for the good of the community,” he said. Through this dialogue, the various inputs conveyed by the Aceh Correctional Technical Implementation Units are expected to serve as material for consideration in formulating policies that are more responsive to regional needs.