The Effectiveness of Implementing Restorative Justice in Handling Child Crimes in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the implementation of restorative justice in handling juvenile criminal acts in Indonesia. The restorative approach, which is regulated in Law Number 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System (UU SPPA), focuses on recovery and reconciliation, not solely on sentencing. Diversion is the main mechanism, in which law enforcement officers, child perpetrators, victims, and the community together formulated the best solution to restore the victim's losses and to foster children so that they do not repeat unlawful acts. Although normatively this concept has been accommodated, its implementation in the field still encounters various obstacles. The lack of understanding of law enforcement officers, the legal culture of the community that tends to demand strict sanctions, and limited supporting facilities such as psychological assistance institutions are the main obstacles. This study also found that cross-sector synergy and the availability of competent human resources play a key role in the success of the restorative approach. By combining normative legal methods and limited empirical reviews, the results of the study recommend increasing the capacity of law enforcement, public socialization, and adding supporting infrastructure. It is hoped that the restorative justice approach can reduce the rate of child recidivism and create a juvenile criminal justice system that is more just, humane, and oriented towards the best interests of children.