Dr. Muhammad Fatahillah Akbar, S.H., LL. M., a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM), served as one of the speakers at the National Seminar titled “Reform of Criminal Procedure Law: The Draft Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) as a Step Toward Sustainable Justice,” organized by the Faculty of Law, Yogyakarta State University (FH UNY). The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Moh. Mahfud MD, S.H., S.U., M.I.P., Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (2019–2024), as the keynote speaker and moderator of the discussion.
In his presentation, Dr. Akbar emphasized the importance of reforming criminal procedure law to make it more adaptive to social and political dynamics, as well as the needs of modern justice. He highlighted that the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), which has been in effect since 1981, is no longer fully relevant, particularly in addressing issues of human rights, judicial efficiency, and legal protection for both victims and defendants. It is hoped that the academic perspective from the Faculty of Law at UGM will enrich the drafting process of the Criminal Procedure Code Bill so that it is not merely formal but also substantive and committed to sustainable justice.
In addition to Dr. Akbar, the seminar also featured other speakers, namely Dr. Anang Priyanto, S.H., M.Hum. (Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, UNY), Dr. M. Arif Setiawan, S.H., M.H. (Attorney and Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, UII), as well as representatives from the Yogyakarta Special Region High Prosecutor’s Office. The presence of academics, practitioners, and law enforcement officials in a single forum created a space for constructive dialogue to generate joint recommendations regarding the revision of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). The seminar was also attended by students, legal practitioners, and the general public, who enthusiastically discussed the urgency of criminal procedure reform in Indonesia.
This event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by promoting the creation of a legal system that is more transparent, accountable, and respectful of human rights. Second, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by ensuring equal access to justice for all parties, including both victims and defendants. Third, SDG 4 (Quality Education), as this forum serves as a platform for public education that broadens legal literacy and enhances the younger generation’s capacity to understand national legal reform. Through Dr. Akbar’s active role, the Faculty of Law at UGM reaffirms its contribution as an academic center that not only fosters critical thinking but also directly contributes to the renewal of Indonesia’s legal system.
