Criminal Procedure in Indonesia: A Guide for Foreign Suspects and Witnesses

The general stages

A matter may involve a report, inquiry, investigation, designation of status, prosecution, trial, judgment, remedies, and enforcement. Not every case follows the same sequence or produces the same outcome.

• Keep every summons and record dates and the contacting official.
• Ask counsel to explain your status and the agenda in a language you understand.

Witness, victim, expert, and suspect

Status affects the context of questions and the documents to prepare. A witness explains what they know, a victim explains the event or loss, an expert gives an opinion based on expertise, and a suspect faces an allegation that should be discussed with counsel.

• Do not guess or fill factual gaps.
• Say clearly if a question or interpretation is not understood.

The interpreter’s role

An interpreter conveys questions and answers fully and neutrally between languages. The interpreter may clarify language, but does not give legal strategy, compose answers, or replace an advocate.

• Provide relevant terminology and documents that may be reviewed in advance.
• Allow enough time, audio quality, and pauses for consecutive interpreting.

Interview-day checklist

Bring identification and the summons, arrive early, prepare names and terminology, and confirm which documents may be brought. Do not sign a document you do not understand; ask counsel and the interpreter for clarification.