On Tuesday (July 15, 2025), representatives from the Justicia Student Council (Dema Justicia) of the Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM) attended a forum organized by the Civil Society Coalition for the Revision of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). The forum, titled “Hear the Victims’ Stories: Who Is the KUHAP Revision For? #RejectRKUHAP”, was held at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (FH UI). This forum served as a space for survivors to share their suffering caused by the injustices of the criminal justice system in Indonesia, particularly due to the weakness of the legal framework that is supposed to strengthen the protection of their rights and oversee the work of law enforcement officials (APH).
Through this forum, six systemic issues in criminal law enforcement were revealed, ranging from delays in legal proceedings—such as those experienced by Komang Abi—to the fabrication of the case surrounding the death of journalist Rico Sempurna Pasaribu, the entrapment of Ellen Oliva in a drug case, and the torture by law enforcement officials that led to the death of Oky Kristodiawan. Furthermore, the criminalization of environmental activists like Haslilin through SLAPP lawsuits and the arbitrary arrest of May Day 2025 demonstrators such as Afif highlight the urgent need for reform of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) that prioritizes victims, rather than reinforcing the power of law enforcement.
The discussion was a lively two-way exchange. Survivors shared their harrowing experiences firsthand, while forum participants—comprising academics, students, and activists—responded with constructive criticism and offered moral support. The discussion concluded with a panel of student speakers from the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (UI), the Faculty of Law at Diponegoro University (Undip), and the Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), who emphasized that reforming the Criminal Procedure Code is an urgent necessity. However, this must be done by prioritizing meaningful participation and respect for human rights.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 4 (Quality Education) by improving public legal literacy, Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting fair and transparent legal reform, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cross-university and civil society collaboration. Through this forum, Dema Justicia FH UGM actively contributes to strengthening a legal advocacy movement that is victim-centered and grounded in social justice.
Writer: DEMA Justicia
