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Criminal Litigation

Every criminal case is a journey, and we’re here to walk it with you, offering expert guidance and unwavering support in Indonesia’s legal landscape.

Navigating the complexities of criminal litigation in Indonesia demands a deep understanding of the legal framework and procedural matters. Kusuma & Partners offering unparalleled services tailored to meet the unique needs of each criminal case. With a focus on humanizing the legal process and maintaining the utmost professionalism, we guide you through every step of the Indonesian criminal litigation journey.

Understanding Indonesian Criminal Litigation Proceedings

Criminal litigation in Indonesia involves a series of methodical steps that ensure justice is served while safeguarding the rights of the suspected. The process is structured to balance the interest of both the prosecution and the defense, with a commitment to fairness and transparency.

  1. Pre-Investigation and Investigation
    It begins with a pre-investigation stage where preliminary evidence is gathered. This is followed by a formal investigation conducted by the Police or relevant authorities. During this stage, the steps include:
    • Filing of Complaint (Police Report) to Police Office
      An individual or entity files a police report of a reported party criminal act to the police office.
    • Pre-Investigation (Penyelidikan)
      The police officers gather initial evidence to determine whether a crime has occurred, including calling and interviewing the witnesses (e.g., both reporting and reported party, witnesses).
    • Investigation (Penyidikan)
      If sufficient evidence is found, the case moves to investigation (penyidikan) where detailed evidence is collected.
    • Determining the reported party as Suspected (Tersangka)
      If all evidences are sufficiently collected and deemed that there is sufficient proof of criminal act, the police are determining the reported party as Suspected.
  2. Arrest and Detention
    If there is strong evidence in a criminal act and categorized in certain conditions, the suspected may be arrested and detained. The steps include:
    • Arrest (Penangkapan)
      The police can arrest a suspected based on substantial evidence of a crime.
    • Detention (Penahanan)
      A suspected may be detained for up to 20 days, which can be extended under certain conditions. Detention is aimed at preventing the suspected from fleeing, and tampering with evidence.
  3. Prosecution (Penuntutan)
    The public prosecutor reviews the investigation file submitted by the police and decides whether to proceed with prosecution. The steps include:
    • Case File Submission
      The police submit the investigation file to the public prosecutor’s office.
    • Indictment (Surat Dakwaan)
      The public prosecutors prepare an indictment outlining the charges against the accused and submits it to the court.
    • Pre-trial hearing (Pra-Peradilan) (if any)
      This is a court hearing to review of the legality of the arrest and detention procedures.
  4. Court Hearing Proceedings (Persidangan)
    The hearing is conducted in open court, where both parties (public prosecutor and accused) present their cases, including cross-examination, evidentiary and witness, closing arguments, etc.
  5. Court Decision and Sentencing
    The court decision and sentencing may include:
    • Acquittal (Pembebasan)
      The accused is found not guilty and is released.
    • Conviction (Pernyataan Bersalah)
      The accused is found guilty and sentenced.
    • Sentencing (Pemidanaan)
      The court determines the appropriate punishment, which could range from fines and imprisonment.
  6. Legal Remedy
    The dissatisfied party may file a further legal remedy by appealing to the higher court.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, changing visa types (e.g., from a Business Visa to a KITAS) requires leaving Indonesia and applying from abroad. However, specific visas, such as a temporary visa to KITAS, may be converted under certain conditions. We can guide you on the best approach based on your situation.

What is Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU)?

A legal process in Indonesia that allows debtors to propose a restructuring plan to its creditors to avoid bankruptcy.

What is Bankruptcy?

It is a legal status declared by the commercial court for a debtor who is unable to pay its debt when they fall due and whose financial condition is deemed irreparable. This process involves liquidating the debtor’s asset to pay off creditors.

What is the prevailing law of Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU) and Indonesian Bankruptcy matters?

Indonesian Law Number 37 of 2004, and related regulations.

What are the criteria of Debtor to be declared under Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU) or Bankruptcy status?

Debtor shall have at least 2 (two) creditors and have failed to pay at least one debt that is due and payable, and the debt criteria can be proven simply.

Who may file a Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU and Bankruptcy petition?

Both debtor and creditor are eligible to file the petition to Indonesian Commercial Court.

What is the role of Administrator and Receiver?

The Administrator is appointed by commercial court to carry its duty and supervised by a Supervisory Judge during Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU) process. While the Receiver runs its duty and supervised by a Supervisory Judge during Bankruptcy process.

What happens during PKPU process?

Creditors cannot take enforcement actions against debtor; an Administrator is appointed to oversee the process and a restructuring plan is proposed and voted on by creditors.

Can I settle debts for less than what I owe through PKPU?

Yes, PKPU allows for negotiation with creditors, and it is possible to settle debts for a reduced amount if an agreement is reached.

What if a PKPU plan is rejected by creditors?

The court may declare debtor bankrupts, and debtor’s assets could be liquidated to pay off debts.

How long does the PKPU process take?

The Temporary PKPU period is 45 days, which can be extended to a maximum of 270 days (Permanent PKPU) upon approval if a feasible restructuring plan is in progress. This provides ample time to negotiate and implement a debt repayment strategy.

What happens if Restructuring Plan (Proposal) during PKPU process is approved?

The Restructuring Plan (Proposal) becomes legally binding, and creditors must adhere to the agreed-upon terms. The Debtor will follow the new repayment schedule as proposed in Restructuring Plan, which provides relief and helps stabilize its financial situation.

What happens to my business during bankruptcy?

A Receiver will manage and liquidate your business assets to pay off creditors.

Can I appeal a bankruptcy decision?

Yes, within a certain timeframe and if a bankruptcy status comes directly from a petition of bankruptcy.

How can I prevent my business from going bankrupt?

Timely debt restructuring, effective financial management, and utilizing legal protections like PKPU can help prevent bankruptcy. Engaging our legal services early can provide the guidance needed to avoid financial insolvency.

How does bankruptcy impact my personal assets as a business owner?

For incorporated entities, bankruptcy generally affects the company’s assets only. However, for sole proprietorships or personal guarantees, your personal assets may be at risk. We can advise on the best course of action to protect your interests.

Can I recover from bankruptcy and start a new business?

Yes, once your bankruptcy proceedings are completed, you can start anew. Bankruptcy laws aim to give individuals and businesses a fresh start, though there may be restrictions and considerations to address.

How can I ensure a successful PKPU process?

Success depends on presenting a feasible Restructuring Plan, effective negotiations, and legal compliance. Engaging our experienced lawyers increases your chances of a favorable outcome, providing strategic advice and representation.

How do I start the process of debt restructuring or bankruptcy?

Contact us for a consultation. We will assess your situation, provide legal advice, and guide you through the necessary steps to initiate debt restructuring, PKPU, or bankruptcy proceedings.

Termination due to health reasons is allowed only if the employee can no longer perform their job duties after receiving proper medical treatment. The employer must provide severance pay, long-service pay, and other rights, such as compensation for unused leave, in accordance with Government Regulation No. 35 of 2021.

What rights do victims have in Indonesian criminal proceedings?

Victims of crime have the right to report the crime and provide evidence, be informed of the progress of the investigation and trial, seek restitution or compensation, and request protection if they are at risk of harm.

Can a foreigner be tried under Indonesian criminal law?

Yes, if they commit a crime within Indonesian territory.

Are there alternative dispute resolution options for criminal cases in Indonesia?

In general, criminal cases in Indonesia are resolved through the court system. However, for certain cases, the alternative resolution like Restorative Justice practices may be considered.

What is Restorative Justice in the context of Indonesian criminal law?

Restorative Justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation and restitution rather than punitive measures. It involves mediation between the victim and offender to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

What constitutes a criminal offense under Indonesian law?

It is an act that violates the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) or other specific laws and regulations and is punishable by sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, or other penalties. The KUHP outlines various categories of offenses, including theft, assault, fraud, corruption, etc.

What does Indonesian law recognize the different types of criminal offences?

There are three main types:

  • Crimes (kejahatan): serious offenses such as robbery, theft, fraud, etc.
  • Misdemeanors (pelanggaran): lesser offenses such as traffic violations and minor thing.
  • Special Crimes: offenses covered by specific laws, such as corruption, narcotics, terrorism, etc.

How does the Indonesian criminal justice system handle cases of corruption?

Corruption cases are handled by specialized anti-corruption courts (Pengadilan Tindak Pidana Korupsi). The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi—KPK) investigates and prosecutes high-profile corruption cases.

No, you cannot convert a Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry Business Visa to a KITAS. KITAS applications must be initiated separately through your employer or investment sponsor and require different documentation and procedures.

Overstaying your visa or KITAS can lead to fines of IDR 1 million per day, and if overstaying persists, deportation and potential blacklisting from Indonesia are possible. It’s important to ensure timely renewals and proper visa management.

To register a foreign marriage in Indonesia, you typically need to submit a marriage certificate issued by the foreign country’s competent authority to the Indonesian Civil Registry Office (Dinas Kependudukan dan Catatan Sipil). Additional documents may be required depending on local regulations. If you do not register it and it has been exceeded by more than 1 (one) year, registration is legally required through the Indonesian court mechanism.

Yes, probationary periods are allowed under Indonesian labor law but can only last up to three months. During this time, the employment contract must clearly state the probationary nature of the work and the expectations for successful completion.

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