Dr. Muhammad Fatahillah Akbar, S.H., LL.M., a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM), was selected as one of the instructors for the Short Training Course on the Substance and New Provisions of the National Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023), which is intended for first-instance and appellate judges throughout Indonesia. This program was conducted via e-learning from Monday, August 25, 2025, through Tuesday, September 26, 2025, and continued via Zoom Meetings from Wednesday, August 27, 2025, through Friday, September 29, 2025, involving judges from both the general and religious courts across Indonesia.
During Session B on Wednesday (August 27), Dr. Akbar presented a lecture titled “Innovations and Principles of Criminal Law in the 2023 Criminal Code.” He emphasized the importance of a critical understanding of the substantial changes in the new Criminal Code, which serves as the foundation for the reform of criminal law in Indonesia. According to him, judges play a strategic role in ensuring that the implementation of the 2023 Criminal Code aligns with the principles of justice, respect for human rights, and sustainable legal certainty.
The involvement of the UGM Faculty of Law through Dr. Akbar not only demonstrates the academic community’s role in supporting the national legal reform process but also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as this training strengthens judges’ capacity to uphold fair and accountable law. Second, SDG 4 (Quality Education), by facilitating the transfer of academic knowledge that enhances the quality of human resources in the legal field. Third, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by strengthening equal access to justice for all citizens. Through this participation, the UGM Faculty of Law once again reaffirms its role as an academic institution that serves as a driving force for legal reform and sustainable development in Indonesia.
