Truth, bias, and abuse of power: How Indonesia’s evidentiary threshold shapes criminal justice

This article examines the role of evidentiary thresholds in shaping the reality of Indonesia’s criminal justice system. Drawing on personal experience as a defense lawyer and criminal procedure expert assisting investigations and trials, as well as relevant literature, this article argues that Indonesia’s low evidentiary threshold facilitates confirmation bias, investigative manipulation, and systemic abuse of power. To facilitate this discussion, the article first provides a theoretical framework for understanding the factors that influence nations to adopt high or low thresholds, along with the associated consequences. Subsequently, it examines the origins and evolution of evidentiary thresholds in Indonesia. Moreover, it discusses how low evidentiary thresholds in both the pre-trial and trial stages foster a bias-prone environment that undermines the pursuit of truth and increases susceptibility to manipulation. Lastly, the article proposes solutions to these systemic problems and highlights obstacles to their implementation.