Yusril: Even Though The Legal System Is Different, Indonesia's Cooperation 'Philippines' Remains Strong

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Human Rights Imipas RI Yusril Ihza Mahendra when delivering an academic lecture at the Faculty of Law, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines, Wednesday (23/7/2025). BETWEEN/HO-Kemenko Kumham Imipas RI

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that the difference in the legal system between Indonesia and the Philippines was not an obstacle to strengthening the cooperation between the two countries, including in handling cross-border crimes.

"Indonesia and the Philippines have different traditions and legal systems since centuries ago," said Yusril while giving an academic lecture at the Faculty of Law, University of the Philippines, Manila, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, July 23.

Yusril explained that the Indonesian legal system is a legacy of Dutch law, customary law, and Islamic law. Meanwhile, the Philippine legal system is heavily influenced by Spanish, United States, and Islamic law that is still developing in the Mindanao Muslim Autonomy Zone.

Although different, according to Yusril, the legal comparison between the two countries shows many similarities that can be a basis for building cooperation.

"The cooperation can be based on the constitution of the two countries, ratified international conventions, and various agreements in the form of agreements, memorandums of understanding, or practical arrangements," he said.

He added that so far the cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines has included handling cross-border crimes such as terrorism, smuggling, and trafficking in persons. Currently, the scope of cooperation has also been expanded to the realm of cybercrime, including online gambling which is a common concern.

Yusril also expressed Indonesia's intention to support the development of Islamic banks in the Philippines. According to him, Islamic banks in the country still have not developed optimally due to limited experts.

Furthermore, the legal cooperation between the two countries was also directed to resolve the issue of citizenship of Indonesian descent in the southern Philippines, and of Filipino descent in North Sulawesi.

The repatriation and exchange of prisoners also continues, including in the case of convict Mary Jane Veloso, who has been repatriated to the Philippines by the Government of Indonesia.

"We hope that these steps will further strengthen legal cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines in the spirit of friendship and the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty," said Yusril.

The academic lecture was opened directly by the Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Angelo Jimenez and attended by Dean of the Faculty of Law Carlo Vistan, academic community, and diplomatic representatives of the Indonesian Embassy in Manila.