Practical overview
Language assistance is part of procedural fairness.
Indonesia’s Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code strengthens the procedural framework for suspects, defendants, convicted persons, witnesses, victims, and persons with disabilities. For a foreign national, the practical question is whether they can understand and participate in the process in a language they understand.
What should a foreign party confirm?
- Whether an interpreter or sworn translator is required for the specific stage and document.
- Who will arrange the interpreter and how neutrality, confidentiality, and availability are confirmed.
- Whether the assignment concerns police examination, prosecution, court, witness preparation, or counsel communication.
- Whether written translations are needed for evidence, decisions, statements, or submissions.
Use the official Indonesian text
This page is an English explanation for general information. It is not an official translation of Indonesian legislation. The official Indonesian text of Law No. 20 of 2025 should be checked for the controlling wording and current status.
Primary sources: official government PDF of Law No. 20 of 2025. For the language requirement in agreements, see the Constitutional Court information.