Otto: Criminal Code Reform Prioritises More Humanist Justice

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections (Wamenko Kumham Imipas) Otto Hasibuan has affirmed that the renewal of the Criminal Code (KUHP) prioritises a more humane form of justice.

During a working visit to Lampung on Wednesday (15/7), he revealed that many people, particularly from academic circles, had asked why the new Criminal Code appeared to favour perpetrators of crimes because it recognises the concept of forgiveness.

“Yet that is not the substance of it. The development of the law is moving towards a more humane approach, without reducing legal certainty or protection for victims,” said Otto, as confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.

He stressed that the successful implementation of the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) cannot be achieved by the government alone.

According to him, shared understanding and collaboration from all stakeholders are needed, including advocates, law enforcement officials, academics and regional governments, so that the objectives of legal renewal can be realised.

He affirmed that the ultimate goal of renewing the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code is to ensure that society obtains justice through a better, more modern legal system that continues to uphold humanitarian values.

Therefore, through the socialisation activities carried out in Lampung, the government hopes that understanding of the substance of criminal law reform will continue to increase, so that the implementation of the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code can run effectively and provide legal certainty and a sense of justice for the public.

Otto also expressed appreciation for the welcome given by the Lampung Provincial Government. He explained that the visit to Lampung was not only intended to introduce the role and function of the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, but also formed part of efforts to socialise the implementation of the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to various stakeholders in the regions.

At the meeting, Deputy Governor Jihan Nurlela warmly welcomed Otto’s visit and expressed hope that the presence of the Coordinating Ministry would strengthen synergy between the central government and the Lampung Provincial Government, particularly in the development of the legal sector.