DPR Encourages Restorative Justice In The Case Of Teacher Supriyani

In the concept of Freedom of Learning, teachers are given the freedom to innovate in teaching. (Between/Basri Marzuki)

JAKARTA - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal highlighted the case of an honorary teacher, Supriyani, who became a suspect after being accused of molesting a police child student in South Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra). He encouraged the Supriyani teacher case to be resolved with restorative justice or restorative justice steps.

"We regret that there was a legal case that happened to one of the honorary teachers, Mrs. Supriyani. This problem should have been resolved from the start through peaceful means," said Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, Thursday, October 24.

As is known, Supriyani was named a suspect in the alleged abuse of students by the South Konawe Police on Wednesday, July 3. Supriyani was then detained after stage II was handed over the case file and the suspect from the police to the Prosecutor's Office.

However, in the end, the judge at the District Court (PN) Andoolo, South Konawe (South Konawe), suspended Supriyani's detention taking into account the condition of the suspect having a small child and his status as a teacher at SD Negeri 4 Baito who had to carry out his duties.

Related to this, Cucun assessed that the judge's decision was correct. "We are grateful for the decision to postpone this detention. In the judicial process, the principle of humanity must also be a concern," said the legislator from the West Java II electoral district.

Although currently the detention of Supriyani's teacher is being suspended, the legal case will continue to trial. The inaugural trial of Supriyani's case will be held at the Andoolo District Court today.

Therefore, Cucun encourages Supriyani's teacher case to be resolved by a restorative justice (RJ) approach. Through a restorative justice approach, the settlement of cases can be used as an instrument for restoring justice.

There are various legal guidelines that allow Supriyani's teacher's case to be resolved using the RJ approach. We hope that the judge can be wise in considering RJ's conduct in this case," said Cucun.

One of the regulations governing the application of restorative justice by a judge or court is contained in Supreme Court Regulation (PERMA) Number 1 of 2024 concerning Guidelines for Providing Criminal Cases Based on Restorative Justice. Cucun said that the application of restorative justice can be achieved if the victim forgives the perpetrator of a crime, as well as the victim and the perpetrator make peace.

Not all problems must be resolved through criminal means. Strive for the creation of peace in cases of light law. Law enforcement officials must also ensure the presence of justice for all parties," he said.

"Because justice is not only about black and white. Real justice is how we put everything in the right portion," added Cucun.

The DPR leadership in charge of people's welfare affairs (Kesra) also reminded the court to really reveal the truth of this case. Moreover, Supriyani's teacher, who insisted on not committing persecution, coupled with a number of witnesses who supported Supriyani's confession.

"We hope the court can reveal the truth of this case. We don't want an innocent person to be harmed because of a misunderstanding," he concluded.