Minister Yusril: The New Criminal Code Does Not Emphasize Sanctions Of Prison Sentences

Coordinating Minister for Kumham Imipas Yusril Ihza Mahendra after a special interview with ANTARA in Jakarta, Tuesday (5/11/2024). (ANTARA/Agatha Olivia Victoria)

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the new Criminal Code (KUHP) would not prioritize prison sentences.

"The new national criminal law book, which emphasizes criminal sanctions, is no longer retaliatory, imprisonment, as we know it in the colonial legal system," said Yusril when giving a speech at the Central Leadership National Coordination Meeting in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, Thursday, November 7, was confiscated by Antara.

Yusril explained that the new Criminal Code, which will take effect in 2026, prioritizes law enforcement by means of restorative justice.

This is because the newly formed Criminal Code is based on the legal principles that develop in society.

"So we create a new legal system based on the laws of our people, customary law of religion that develops in our society in accordance with the philosophy of Pancasila," he said.

In the concept of restoration justice, Yusril continued, the government will prioritize deliberation efforts in resolving criminal problems such as restoring victims' rights, imposing sanctions on perpetrators.

The way of deliberation was taken in order to create justice without causing conflict between the two parties. The application of restorative justice must of course be monitored by law enforcers.

However, Yusril ensured that this did not make the concept of imposing legal sanctions fade from the application of the Criminal Code.

"If there is no solution (in restorative justice), then the norms of criminal law are forced by the state," said Yusril.

Yusril hopes that the implementation of this new Criminal Code can provide justice for the entire community in accordance with the goals of President Prabowo Subian's Astcita program.