The Dynamics of Judicial Independence in Corruption Sentencing: Between Judicial Discretion and the Principle of Legal Certainty

Corruption remains a fundamental issue in Indonesia, particularly regarding disparities in sentencing for corruption cases under Articles 2 and 3 of the Corruption Law. To address this issue, the Supreme Court issued Regulation No. 1 of 2020 (PERMA 1/2020) as a guideline for sentencing corruption offenders. This study aims to analyze the legal consequences of PERMA 1/2020 and its impact on judicial independence in corruption cases. Using a normative legal method, the research examines legal principles, statutory regulations, and case studies. The findings indicate that while PERMA 1/2020 provides structured sentencing guidelines, disparities still occur due to judicial discretion. The case analysis of Decision No. 16/Pid.Sus-TPK/2023/PN.Smg reveals that the sentencing aligns with the imprisonment guidelines but deviates from the prescribed financial penalties. This study concludes that although PERMA 1/2020 enhances legal certainty, its application remains subject to judicial interpretation, raising questions about its consistency in corruption sentencing.