The Verdict of Laras Faizati and a New Era of "Supervisory Penalties" in the National Criminal Code

By H. Imam Santoso

10 Feb 2026 04:46 WIB 10 February 2026 04:46 WIB 4 minutes reading time: 4 minutes 12 read

Updated: 13 Feb 2026 09:16 WIB 13 February 2026 09:16 WIB

The Verdict of Laras Faizati marks a new era of supervisory penalties in the National Criminal Code. What are the implications for freedom of expression?

Vonis Laras Faizati: Babak baru pidana pengawasan dalam hukum pidana Indonesia. (Source: AI Gemini, Redaksi Literasi Hukum Indonesia)

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Table of Contents

Paradigm Shift: From Colonial to National
1. Old Criminal Code (Colonial Heritage)
2. New Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023)
Understanding Supervisory Sentence
What is Supervisory Sentence?
Terms and Conditions (Article 76)
Supervision
Consequences of Violation
Response: Official Appreciation vs. Public Concerns
Official Response
Public Response (Netizens)
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Gabung Membership

Section 3/3: Supervision

Supervision

The execution of this sentence is supervised by the Prosecutor in collaboration with the Correctional Center (BAPAS) as well as the Supervisory Judge and Observer (Kimwasmat).

Consequences of Violation

If the convict violates the conditions during the supervisory period, there are strict consequences:

Violating General Conditions: If the convict commits another crime, he/she is automatically obliged to undergo imprisonment.
Violating Special Conditions: If the convict is negligent (for example, does not pay compensation), at the suggestion of the Prosecutor, the supervisory period may be extended or converted into imprisonment.

Response: Official Appreciation vs. Public Concerns

The verdict against Laras Faizati triggered diverse reactions from various parties.

Official Response

The Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives,Habiburokhman, assesses that the application of Law No. 1 of 2023 (Criminal Code) and Law No. 20 of 2025 (New Criminal Procedure Code) in this case is a concrete example of law enforcement oriented towards substantive justice. "The law is currently enforced with conscience and not just legal certainty, so that the real benefits are immediately felt by those seeking justice," he said.

Public Response (Netizens)

On the other hand, the public responded with skepticism. Concerns arose regarding the abuse of authority by law enforcement officials which could create loopholes for extortion or criminalization if not supervised by an independent institution.

In addition, this case creates a chilling effect (chilling effect). Although "only" sentenced to supervisory imprisonment, the status as a convict remains. This makes the public hesitant to voice criticism in the public sphere for fear of being considered "insulting" and ending up with a legal verdict.