National Criminal Code Workshop: Towards a Just Criminal Law Enforcement

University of Lampung, September 4-5, 2024 The Criminal Law Department of the Faculty of Law at Universitas Lampung held a workshop themed "National Criminal Code Towards Just Criminal Law Enforcement." The workshop took place on September 4, 2024, in the Main Courtroom of the Rectorate Building at Universitas Lampung and was attended by various stakeholders, including academics, legal practitioners, government officials, NGOs, as well as undergraduate and graduate students.

The workshop was opened with remarks from Dr. M. Fakih, S.H., M.S., Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Dr. Habibullah Jimad, S.E., M.Si., Vice Rector II of Universitas Lampung. The aim of the workshop was to enhance participants' understanding of the substance and implications of the recently ratified National Criminal Code (KUHP), specifically Law No. 1 of 2023 on the KUHP. With changes and their implementation scheduled for 2026, participants were expected to critically analyze various aspects of the National KUHP and engage in discussions with speakers and fellow participants to prepare for the enactment of a National KUHP that incorporates significant updates in line with contemporary developments, compared to the colonial KUHP WvS (wetboek van strafrecht) .

Prof. Dr. Topo Santoso, S.H., M.H. noted that the National KUHP introduces significant improvements over its predecessor. One of its main advantages is the emphasis on legal balance that accommodates diverse values and interests within Indonesian society. Additionally, the National KUHP focuses on a more humane penal paradigm, moving away from the retributive approach prevalent in the colonial KUHP.

Participants received presentations from several leading speakers, including Prof. Dr. Topo Santoso, S.H., M.H., Dr. Heni Siswanto, S.H., M.H., Prof. Dr. Nikmah Rosidah, S.H., M.H., Dr. Erna Dewi, S.H., M.H., Prof. Dr. Maroni, S.H., M.H., and Dr. Ahmad Irzal Fardiansyah, S.H., M.H., who covered various topics, particularly in Book 1 regarding the General Provisions of the KUHP. Topics included the Development of Criminal Law in the National KUHP, Principles of Criminal Law Application by Time and Place, Criminal Responsibility, Attempt, Preparation and Conspiracy, Sentencing, and Reasons for Mitigating or Aggravating Punishments within the National KUHP.

The event also included a Q&A session, interactive discussions, pre-tests and post-tests, and a coffee break, providing participants the opportunity to interact and share views. At the end of the workshop, participants were expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the substance and implications of the changes in the National KUHP, serving as a platform for generating innovative ideas and practical solutions for achieving more just and effective criminal law enforcement based on the National KUHP.