The Faculty of Law at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), through its Center for Police Studies, organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and National Webinar titled “The Concept of Restorative Justice in the Implementation of the National Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code within Indonesia’s Legal System.”
Held on Thursday (May 7), the event served as a strategic discussion forum bringing together academics and law enforcement practitioners to examine the future direction of criminal law reform in Indonesia.
The program featured Senior Commissioner of Police Kombes Pol. Siti Rondhijah and UNNES Rector Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si. as keynote speakers. In her remarks, Kombes Pol. Siti Rondhijah emphasized the importance of restorative justice as a humane approach to maintaining social order and as part of the police institution’s adaptation to the evolving paradigm of modern law.
The discussion was further enriched by presentations from academics and legal practitioners. Prof. Dr. Ali Masyhar, S.H., M.H. explored restorative justice from philosophical perspectives to the broader framework of national legal policy. He described restorative justice as a manifestation of Pancasila values and a reflection of substantive justice within Indonesia’s legal system.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cahya Wulandari, S.H., M.Hum. discussed the implementation of restorative justice within the criminal justice system, particularly highlighting the importance of victim protection during case resolution processes. She noted that practical implementation still faces challenges in ensuring that victims remain protected and empowered throughout legal proceedings.
A practical law enforcement perspective was presented by Kombes Pol. Dr. M. Anwar Nasir, S.I.K., M.H., who explained the strategic role of the police in implementing restorative justice, including the use of discretionary authority and penal mediation mechanisms during investigations. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that restorative justice practices remain within the boundaries of the law.
The entire discussion was moderated by M. Azil Maskur, S.H., M.H., who maintained a dynamic and interactive atmosphere throughout the forum. The discourse that emerged highlighted that restorative justice is not merely a legal concept, but also an approach that requires strong regulatory support, institutional capacity, and public awareness.
The high level of enthusiasm shown by participants—including academics, students, law enforcement officers, and legal practitioners—reflected growing public attention toward criminal law reform in Indonesia. Various opinions and questions raised during the forum illustrated a shared aspiration for a more humane legal system focused on recovery and reconciliation.
Through this event, the Faculty of Law UNNES reaffirmed its role as a center for legal thought that remains responsive to the dynamics of national legal reform. The FGD and National Webinar are expected to strengthen collaboration among academics, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing a more effective and equitable implementation of restorative justice in Indonesia.
