Language assistance is more than translating a few words. A person involved in criminal proceedings must be able to understand questions, answer with the intended meaning, and access relevant documents.
Why an interpreter matters
Criminal interviews use formal terminology and may affect a person’s rights. Misunderstanding status, questions, or documents creates practical risk. An interpreter supports communication access; counsel remains responsible for legal advice.
What to confirm
Confirm the language and dialect, procedural stage, party status, duration, whether documents must be read, and who appoints and pays the interpreter. For technical matters, prepare a glossary and documents that may be reviewed in advance.
- Make sure the interpreter understands legal terminology and the case context.
- Allow sufficient pauses for consecutive interpreting.
An interpreter is not legal counsel
The interpreter should convey the content fully, neutrally, and without adding strategy or opinion. If a client asks what they should do legally, the question should be directed to counsel.
Before the interview
Prepare names, places, dates, positions, technical terms, and abbreviations. State the language need when the summons is received, not after the interview has started. If understanding is impaired, say so promptly and ask that it be handled according to procedure.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Requirements, institutional policies, and document acceptance may differ or change. For a specific matter, consult qualified Indonesian counsel or the receiving authority.
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