Surabaya High Court Launches Electronic Trials for Criminal Cases Under New Criminal Procedure Code

The Surabaya High Court has officially implemented electronic trials for criminal cases following the enactment of Law Number 20 of 2025 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). The policy, effective since 1 August 2026, marks a new step in examining appeal cases by utilising electronic courtrooms that support both online and in-person proceedings. “Appeal-level trials can now be conducted directly or through electronic means in accordance with the provisions of the new KUHAP,” said Surabaya High Court Chief Sujatmiko in Surabaya on Tuesday. He explained that the facility launched is not a virtual court, but rather an electronic courtroom prepared as an implementation of the new KUHAP. One of the significant changes in Law Number 20 of 2025 concerns the mechanism for filing an appeal. Under the new rules, the 14-day deadline for submitting an appeal is now calculated from the moment the appeal decision is pronounced, rather than from when the parties receive notification of the ruling. This change requires the High Court to first set a schedule for the reading of the verdict and ensure that all parties are notified. To support the implementation of the new regulation, the Surabaya High Court has equipped its electronic courtroom to connect with prosecutors’ offices, detention centres, and correctional facilities, as well as other locations designated by the panel of judges for defendants who are not in custody. According to Sujatmiko, the facility is expected to increase the efficiency of examining appeal cases, especially for parties located outside the city of Surabaya. He added that electronic trials apply to all criminal cases, including special crimes such as corruption. The court has also prepared procedures for handling technical disruptions, including the possibility of rescheduling sessions to ensure that the judicial process continues in accordance with the applicable provisions.