Success of New Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code Depends on Implementation, Says Otto

Jakarta - Deputy Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Otto Hasibuan has stated that the successful implementation of the new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) depends on consistent implementation. “The national criminal law reform is a major transformation that shifts the law enforcement paradigm from a punishment-oriented approach to a more humane, restorative system that respects human rights,” Otto said in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday. Speaking as a resource person at a stadium generale at Bandar Lampung University, Lampung, on Thursday (16/7), Otto said the success of the two regulations is not solely determined by the quality of the norms that have been drafted. He added that the national criminal law reform is built on four main missions: decolonisation, democratisation, consolidation, and adaptation and harmonisation. Otto explained that one of the fundamental changes in the new KUHP and KUHAP is the shift in sentencing orientation. Whereas previously imprisonment was the primary instrument, the criminal justice system now prioritises corrective, rehabilitative, and restorative approaches. Various alternatives to imprisonment, such as supervision orders, community service orders, and restorative justice mechanisms, have been strengthened to achieve more substantive justice. In addition, the new KUHP also expands the subject of criminal law to include corporations in response to the rise of modern crimes involving business entities. Therefore, he said, synergy is needed between the government, law enforcement officials, universities, the media, and the public to ensure the legal transformation runs effectively. “The success of implementing the new KUHP and KUHAP is not only determined by the quality of the norms we have drafted, but especially by the commitment of all elements of the nation to implement them consistently,” he said. Otto stressed that the country needs professional law enforcement officers, an academic community that continues to provide constructive criticism, and a public that understands and oversees the implementation of the new KUHP and KUHAP.