Public Relations of UPNVJ - Dr. Beniharmoni Harefa, SH, LL.M., Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and Criminal Law Expert at the Faculty of Law, Veteran National Development University Jakarta (UPNVJ), was a resource person for the socialization of the New Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) at the Gawe Hall of the Banten Regional Police on Monday, December 22, 2025.
The activity organized by the Banten Regional Police aims to prepare law enforcement officers to understand and implement the Criminal Procedure Code Law Number 20 of 2025, which comes into effect simultaneously with the Criminal Code Law Number 1 of 2023 starting January 2, 2026, with an emphasis on optimizing human rights protection. The event was opened by the Deputy Chief of the Banten Regional Police, Brigadier General Pol. Dr. Hendra Wirawan, SH, SIK, MH, and was attended by 450 participants including the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit, investigators, and ranks of the Head of Law and Sub-Directorate.
Dr. Beniharmoni, who also served as a Government Expert in the Drafting of the 2025 Criminal Procedure Code, explained that the reasons for the update include the 44-year-old Criminal Procedure Code, which was enacted in 1981, adjustments to the new national Criminal Code, and increased human rights protection. These updates include restorative justice mechanisms, the rights of witnesses, victims, persons with disabilities, women, and the elderly. Furthermore, strengthening the role of advocates, expanding the scope of pretrial proceedings, court decisions, and an information technology-based criminal justice system are new features for adapting to the digital era.
Significant changes have occurred in the mechanisms of investigation, inquiry, and evidence. The new Criminal Procedure Code defines evidence as consisting of witness testimony, expert testimony, letters, defendant testimony, physical evidence, electronic evidence, judicial observations, and anything legally obtained for the purposes of the trial.
This ensures that the legal process is more proportional and humane, avoiding abuse of authority.
This activity supports synergy between academics and law enforcement in transforming the national criminal justice system. UPNVJ's participation reflects the commitment of state universities to contributing ideas to the development of just law.