The Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM), through one of its faculty members, Dr. Muhammad Fatahillah Akbar, S.H., LL.M., has played an active role in promoting academic discourse on the reform of the National Criminal Code. At a national seminar titled “National Criminal Code Reform: Toward a New Era of Criminal Law Enforcement in Indonesia,” organized by the Warmadewa Moot Court Community on Thursday (August 28, 2025), Dr. Akbar served as a speaker, analyzing the fundamental changes to the National Criminal Code. His presence reflects the Faculty of Law at UGM’s commitment to supporting national legal development that is academically grounded, participatory, and oriented toward the interests of the broader public.
In his presentation, Dr. Akbar emphasized that the National Criminal Code is not merely a recodification, but rather an effort to introduce a new, more restorative paradigm in criminal law. A number of key features—such as sentencing based on the living law, criminal liability for corporations, the strengthening of the lex favor reo principle, and the principle of “imprisonment as the last resort”—demonstrate the new direction of Indonesian criminal law. According to him, the National Criminal Code must be understood as an instrument for resolving conflicts between perpetrators, victims, and society, not merely for imposing punishment.
The participation of Dr. Akbar and the Faculty of Law at UGM in this academic forum also demonstrates the consistent role of universities in building legal institutions that are inclusive, fair, and grounded in human rights. Through forums such as this, students, academics, and legal practitioners gain a space for constructive dialogue to strengthen their capacity for criminal law analysis. In this way, the reform of the Criminal Code can truly accommodate the needs of the Indonesian people amid social changes and global challenges.
Furthermore, this event is also aligned with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By strengthening a fair and transparent legal system, this seminar supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Additionally, by creating a space for discussion among various stakeholders—academics, legal practitioners, government officials, and students—this initiative also promotes SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Criminal Code reform that emphasizes the restoration and protection of victims’ rights also contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), particularly in ensuring that the law is in place to protect vulnerable groups.
