Indonesia marks end of colonial-era judicial laws, replaces with new criminal procedures

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA)—Indonesia on Friday marked the end of colonial-era laws of over a century with new criminal procedures.

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra described the move as a historic milestone, according to state-run news agency Antara.

"This moment opens a new chapter for law enforcement that is modern, humane, just, and rooted in Pancasila and Indonesian cultural values," he said.

The new National Criminal Code (KUHP) is replacing the previous one, which was based on the Wetboek van Strafrecht voor Nederlandsch-Indie, introduced in 1918 during Dutch colonial rule.

The new judicial codes shift from focusing on imprisonment to a more restorative approach, emphasizing rehabilitation and reconciliation.

Indonesia declared independence from the Netherlands on Aug. 17, 1945.

The old Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) dates back to the New Order era under Indonesia's second president, Suharto, in 1981.

The new code strengthens transparency, protects victims’ and witnesses’ rights, expands restitution mechanisms, and incorporates digital systems to improve efficiency, according to the report.