Legal Expert Responds to Hotman Paris: No Presidential Approval Needed for Suspect Designation

Multiple legal experts have countered statements made by prominent lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea regarding the necessity of presidential approval in criminal investigations. The experts asserted that legal presidential permission is not required for the designation of a suspect (penetapan tersangka). This stance raises discussions about the independence of the judiciary and the authority of investigative bodies in Indonesia. Under Indonesian law, investigative agencies generally have the independent power to conduct investigations and identify suspects, except in cases involving specific high-ranking officials. The instances where presidential approval is required are limited, and Hotman Paris's recent remarks might have generalized these exceptions. The legal community emphasizes the importance of maintaining investigative independence to ensure transparency and fairness in judicial processes. Any situation where presidential intervention could influence an investigation is considered contrary to the principle of the rule of law. Source: Sindonews