Legal Policy on Transparency in Combating Corruption through the Criminal Justice System: A Historical Analysis

Authors
  • Suparman Suparman

    Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia

    Author

  • Siti Fatimah

    Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

    Author

  • Hamza Mansour

    International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Author

Keywords:
Array, Array, Array, Array, Array
Abstract

Legal reform in Indonesia has strengthened guarantees of public access to information. However, its implementation continues to reveal a persistent tension between demands for transparency and the need to preserve investigative confidentiality, protect witnesses, and safeguard judicial independence. This study examines the balance between openness and confidentiality in law-enforcement processes. It seeks to formulate a legal-political model of transparency that strengthens accountability without compromising the principles of due process of law. It employs a normative juridical approach within a historical legal research design, combined with legal-political and conceptual approaches. The findings demonstrate that Indonesia’s legal politics of transparency has evolved incrementally in response to changing political configurations from the early post-independence period through the reform era. Although the reform period has significantly strengthened the normative foundations of openness, implementation remains fragmented because transparency has not yet been consistently embedded across all stages of the criminal justice system. Moreover, the apparent tension between transparency and confidentiality does not constitute a fundamental conceptual contradiction. Rather, it underscores the need for a regulatory framework grounded in proportionality, legality, accountability, and the protection of human rights. This study therefore proposes a reconstruction of the legal politics of transparency that positions transparency as an overarching principle across the entire anti-corruption criminal justice cycle through layered information governance, strengthened public access to information, open judicial proceedings, greater accountability of judicial decisions, and meaningful public participation, while preserving investigative effectiveness and judicial independence.

Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References

Afzal, Jamil. “Future of Legal Tools and Justice.” In Implementation of Digital Law as a Legal Tool in the Current Digital Era, 155–77. Springer, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-7106-6_8.

Ali, Mahrus, Andi Muliyono, and Syarif Nurhidayat. “The Application of a Human Rights Approach toward Crimes of Corruption: Analyzing Anti-Corruption Regulations and Judicial Decisions.” Laws 12, no. 4 (2023): 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/laws12040068.

Aritonang, Dinoroy Marganda, Susi Dwi Harijanti, Zainal Muttaqin, and Ali Abdurahman. “Extensive Jurisdiction of State Administrative Courts in Indonesia: Interpretation and Legal Coherence Issues.” Public Integrity 27, no. 3 (2025): 287–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/10999922.2023.2290750.

Baroi, Harold Sougato, and Habib Zafarullah. “‘Freedom of Information’as a Human Right: International Instruments, Juridical Interpretations and the South Asian Case.” Asian Journal of Political Science 32, no. 2 (2024): 157–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/02185377.2024.2370812.

Bertelli, Anthony M, and Vincenza Falletti. “Bureaucracy under Pressure: Structural Integrity and the Ethics of Democratic Administration.” International Review of Administrative Sciences, 2025, 00208523251406200. https://doi.org/10.1177/00208523251406200.

Bertelli, Anthony M, Vincenza Falletti, and Silvia Cannas. “Authorized Discretion: The Democratic Essentials of Governance in the European Union.” Governance 38, no. 3 (2025): e70029. https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.70029.

Caled, Danielle, and Mário J Silva. “Digital Media and Misinformation: An Outlook on Multidisciplinary Strategies against Manipulation.” Journal of Computational Social Science 5, no. 1 (2022): 123–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42001-021-00118-8.

Chakraborty, Anup Shekhar. “From Guided to Patronage to Clientele to Vigilante Democracy: Cross-Currents of Islamization, Dynasticism, and Hope in Contemporary Indonesia.” In Electoral Politics in Asia: Transregional Dynamics, 65–88. Springer, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-8082-5_3.

Clancy, Áine. “A Better Deal? Negotiated Responses to the Proceeds of Grand Corruption: Áine Clancy.” In Criminal Law Forum, 33:149–88. Springer, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10609-022-09436-6.

Contini, Francesco. “From the Rule of Law to the Rule of Technology: Institutional Implications of the Digital Transformation of Courts.” In Research Handbook on Judging and the Judiciary, 35–53. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2025. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781788978743.00008.

Correa, Victor Silva, Wilquer Silvano de Souza Ferreira, Marcio Cardoso, and Matheus Albergaria de Magalhães. “The Validity and Reliability of Case Study Research: A Systematic Review and Framework.” Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 2025, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1108/QMR-01-2025-0002.

Daffa, Muhammad Ilham, Razi Alif Al Faiz, Abdel-Dzhalil Niyazov, and Yahya Muhamad. “The Narrative of New Order Development in the Relationship between Pancasila and the Legitimacy of Power.” Jurnal Pelita Raya 1, no. 3 (2025): 215–30. https://doi.org/10.65586/jpr.v1i3.34.

Fitri Ramadhani, Fitria Handayani, Humaira Syakira, Olivia Smith, Yuki Tanaka. “Reorientation of the Principle of Legality in the Handling of Corruption Offences in Indonesia.” Indonesian Journal of Corruption and Criminal Justice 1, no. 1 (2026): 41–53. https://doi.org/10.65586/ijccj.v1i1.9.

Ghaffari, Fathul, Khoirul Faizin, Ahmad Afif, Suud Sarim Karimullah, and Moh Rosil Fathony. “The Relationship Between Religion and Politics of Muhammad Iqbal: A Philosopical and Its Relevance.” Suhuf: International Journal of Islamic Studies 37, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.23917/suhuf.v37i1.10286.

Hermanto, Bagus, Asrul Ibrahim Nur, and Made Subawa. “Indonesia Parliamentary Reform and Legislation Quality Backsliding Phenomenon: Case of Indonesia Post Reformasi.” The Theory and Practice of Legislation 12, no. 1 (2024): 73–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/20508840.2024.2316507.

Ibrahim, Ateya Megahed, Hassanat Ramadan Abdel-Aziz, Heba Ali Hamed Mohamed, Donia Elsaid Fathi Zaghamir, Nadia Mohamed Ibrahim Wahba, Ghada A Hassan, Mostafa Shaban, Mohammad El-Nablaway, Ohoud Naif Aldughmi, and Taghreed Hussien Aboelola. “Balancing Confidentiality and Care Coordination: Challenges in Patient Privacy.” BMC Nursing 23, no. 1 (2024): 564. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02231-1.

Ibrahim, Zumiyati, Suud Karimullah, Andi Assaad, Rina Septiani, and HÜSEYİN Okur. “Integration of Maqasid Al-Shariah in the Criminal Law Reform to Achieve Justice and Human Dignity.” Jurnal Hukum Islam 23, no. 1 (2025): 105–44. https://doi.org/10.28918/jhi.v23i1.04.

Insani, Nur, Zumiyati Sanu Ibrahim, Suud Sarim Karimullah, Yavuz Gönan, and Sulastri Sulastri. “Empowering Muslim Women: Bridging Islamic Law and Human Rights with Islamic Economics.” De Jure: Jurnal Hukum Dan Syar’iah 16, no. 1 (2024): 88–117. https://doi.org/10.18860/j-fsh.v16i1.26159.

Jukari, Ahmad, Suud Sarim Karimullah, and Muhajir Muhajir. “Identity Politics in the Construction of Electoral Laws: A Qualitative Analysis.” Walisongo Law Review (Walrev) 5, no. 2 (2023): 139–54. https://doi.org/10.21580/walrev.2023.5.2.14414.

Kamsi, Kamsi, Very Julianto, and Suud Sarim Karimullah. “Intentionally Changing Everything: Deliberate Constructing in Corruption Case.” Lex Scientia Law Review 7, no. 2 (2023): 449–88. https://doi.org/10.15294/lesrev.v7i2.59866.

Karimullah, Suud Sarim. “Analysis of the Influence of Political Power on the Implementation of the Islamic Economic System.” Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah, Akuntansi Dan Perbankan (JESKaPe) 8, no. 2 (2024): 179–209. https://doi.org/10.52490/jeskape.v8i2.4714.

———. “The Relevance of the Concept of Justice in Islamic Law to Contemporary Humanitarian Issues.” Al-Ahkam: Jurnal Ilmu Syari’ah Dan Hukum 8, no. 1 (2023): 83–98. https://doi.org/10.22515/alahkam.v8i1.7654.

———. “The Role of Law Enforcement Officials: The Dilemma Between Professionalism and Political Interests.” Jurnal Hukum Dan Peradilan 13, no. 2 (2024): 365–92. https://doi.org/10.25216/jhp.13.2.2024.365-392.

Karimullah, Suud Sarim, Muammar Akbar Al Qhuraissy Muammar Akbar, Al Qhuraissy, Feri Irawan, Bambang Sunatar Bambang Sunatar, and Anugrah Bagus Sugiharto Anugrah Bagus Sugiharto. “Pancasila Economy: Forgotten Dream or Weapon Against Inequality?” Jurnal Lemhannas RI 13, no. 1 (2025): 103–17. https://doi.org/10.55960/jlri.v13i1.1023.

Koeswayo, Poppy Sofia, Sofik Handoyo, and Dede Abdul Hasyir. “Investigating the Relationship between Public Governance and the Corruption Perception Index.” Cogent Social Sciences 10, no. 1 (2024): 2342513. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2342513.

Lau, Chi Ho. “Advancing the Anti-Corruption Cause through International Cooperation: Lessons from the Hong Kong Experience.” Global Public Policy and Governance 4, no. 3 (2024): 297–307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43508-024-00091-8.

Liu, Bo, and Jincheng Liu. “Did the Integrity Transition Promote Economic Growth? Empirical Research Based on the Perspective of Anti-Corruption Approaches.” International Review of Economics & Finance 101 (2025): 104156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.104156.

Lukashuk, Oksana. “The Evolution of Corruption Theories as a Prerequisite for the Formation and Implementation of State Criminal Law Policy.” Public Policy and Accounting, no. 2 (10) (2024): 43–52. https://doi.org/10.26642/ppa-2024-2(10)-43-52.

Mao, KuoRay, Zhong Zhao, and Yue Xu. “The Blueway and the Red Line Spiderweb: Assessing the Impact of Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses on Environmental Protests in China.” Asian Politics & Policy 17, no. 2 (2025): e70018. https://doi.org/10.1111/aspp.70018.

Mkhize, Nkosingiphile. “Plans without Action? Politics and Institutional Challenges of Anti-Corruption Reforms in the BRICS Countries.” Journal of Economic Criminology, 2025, 100197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeconc.2025.100197.

Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Syaifuddin, Yasmin Ahmed, Salma Khairunnisa. “The Reconstruction of Criminal Law on Corruption Based on the Integrity of the Judicial System.” Indonesian Journal of Corruption and Criminal Justice 1, no. 1 (2026): 54–66. https://doi.org/10.65586/ijccj.v1i1.10.

Mungiu‐Pippidi, Alina. “Transparency and Corruption: Measuring Real Transparency by a New Index.” Regulation & Governance 17, no. 4 (2023): 1094–1113. https://doi.org/10.1111/rego.12502.

Murthi, Ngurah Wisnu, Ihsan Taufiq, Emily Yee, and Ninda Ayuk Aktaniensia. “Indonesia’s Inclusive Economic Diplomacy Based on the Pancasila Ideology.” Jurnal Pelita Raya 1, no. 3 (2025): 152–65. https://doi.org/10.65586/jpr.v1i3.30.

Nawawi, M, Ellena Lee, and Rifqi Muhammad Firdaus. “The Meaning of Pancasila in Civil Society Movements for Strengthening Democracy.” Jurnal Pelita Raya 1, no. 3 (2025): 166–81. https://doi.org/10.65586/jpr.v1i3.31.

Nimah, Rodhotun, Imam Sya’roni, and Suud Sarim Karimullah. “Protection of Outsourced Labor in Indonesia: Political Law and Contemporary Islamic Law.” BAYAN: Jurnal Studi Islam Dan Humaniora 2, no. 1 (2026): 166–86. https://doi.org/10.67864/bayan.v2i1.125.

Nour Mansour, Anisa Rahma, Siti Aisyah, Karim Abdullah, Mutiara Safira. “Reformulating the Sentencing System in Corruption Cases Based on Effectiveness.” Indonesian Journal of Corruption and Criminal Justice 1, no. 1 (2026): 14–26. https://doi.org/10.65586/ijccj.v1i1.7.

Nur Azizah, Dewi Lestari, Putri Amalia, Nabila Zahra, Salma Khairunnisa. “Redefining the Role of Judges in Achieving Substantive Justice in Corruption Cases.” Indonesian Journal of Corruption and Criminal Justice 1, no. 1 (2026): 1–13. https://doi.org/10.65586/ijccj.v1i1.6.

Nurizka, Maharatna Shifa, Aufa Islami, Moh Rofi’ieh, and Muhammad Lathif Dzulfikar. “Criticism of the Neoclassical Approach in Islamic Economic Policy in Indonesia.” Jurnal Pelita Raya 1, no. 1 (2025): 17–30. https://journal.mahkotascience.org/index.php/jpr/article/view/9.

Oriolo, Anna. “The Contribution of the European Court of Human Rights to the Construction of a Corruption-Free Society.” International Criminal Law Review 25, no. 2–3 (2024): 442–69. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718123-bja10196.

Paranata, Ade. “A Systematic Literature Review of Anti-Corruption Policy: A Future Research Agenda in Indonesia.” Public Organization Review 25, no. 3 (2025): 1181–1214. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11115-025-00847-8.

Paudel, Krishna Prasad. “The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Modernizing the Courts: A Case of Nepali Judiciary.” International Journal of Law and Management 66, no. 1 (2024): 61–73. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLMA-01-2023-0006.

Perez, Sharon Okunrobo. “Proliferation of E-Evidence: Reliability Standards and the Right to a Fair Trial.” European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice 33, no. 1–2 (2025): 187–211. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718174-bja10070.

Petlach, Martin, and Veronika Říčanová. “From People’s Champion to Power Consolidator: Examining Jokowi’s Role in Indonesia’s Democratic Backsliding.” Policy Studies, 2025, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/01442872.2025.2562359.

Ponti, Benedetto, Agustí Cerrillo-i-Martínez, and Fabrizio Di Mascio. “Transparency, Digitalization and Corruption.” In Understanding and Fighting Corruption in Europe: From Repression to Prevention, 97–126. Springer, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82495-2_6.

Purba, Tumian Lian Daya, Suud Aarim Karimullah, and Silvester Magnus Loogman Palit. “Eco-Apartheid: Unpacking Environmental Injustice and Its Impact on Human Rights.” JSEAHR 9 (2025): 277. https://doi.org/10.19184/jseahr.v9i2.52546.

Rembulan, Cahaya, Ibnu Roghidul Maghfur, Mahrus Alwi Hasan Siregar, Moh Ali Jakfar, and Sofiatus Solehah. “The Impact of the Digital Economy on Economic Empowerment Models for Muslim Youth in Indonesia.” Jurnal Lentera Insani 1, no. 1 (2025): 48–63. https://doi.org/10.65586/jli.v1i1.17.

Shiri, Mahmoud, and Mai Nguyen. “Singapore’s Commitment to Combating Corruption.” In The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Social Marketing, 1–8. Springer, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14449-4_177-1.

Sutisna, Eka, Muh Nur, Muhammad Syukri, Asrul Jabani, and Muh Rezky Naim. “The Geopolitics of Critical Minerals and the Future of National Economic Sovereignty.” Jurnal Pelita Raya 2, no. 1 (2026): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.65586/jpr.v2i1.43.

Tampubolon, Manotar, Tomson Situmeang, and Paltiada Saragih. “Judicial Breakfast as an External Factor in Judicial Decision Making in Courts.” F1000Research 12 (2023): 9. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.126482.1.

Tanjung, Miranda, and Yuzuru Shimada. “Modelling the Impact of Governance and Economic Growth: Insights from ASEAN and Developed Countries.” Journal of Public Affairs 25, no. 2 (2025): e70048. https://doi.org/10.1002/pa.70048.

Tkachenko, Vita, Yurii Kotviakovskyi, and Svitlana Zinchenko. “Contemporary European Concepts of Public Administration in the Context of Digital Transformation and Their Legal Framework.” Public Administration and Law Review, no. 1 (21) (2025): 99–109. https://doi.org/10.36690/2674-5216-2025-1-99-109.

Tsirin, Artem M, Yuri V Truntsevsky, and Vyacheslav V Sevalnev. “Anti-Corruption Legal Awareness in the Field of Rulemaking: Insights from Complex Systems Theories.” In Complex Social Systems in Dynamic Environments: Advanced Theories, Innovative Methods, and Interdisciplinary Research Results, 853–66. Springer, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23856-7_73.

Widyawati, Anis, Ade Adhari, Ali Masyhar, Bearlly Deo Syahputra, and Didik Purnomo. “Dynamics of the Penitentiary System, Transparent and Accountable Handling of Criminal Cases in Criminal Execution Law in Southeast Asia: Convergence and Divergence of International Perspectives.” Indonesia Law Review 15, no. 1 (2025): 2. https://doi.org/10.15742/ilrev.v15n1.1.

Yang, Wenting, Chuanshen Qin, and Bo Fan. “Do Institutional Pressures Increase Reactive Transparency of Government? Evidence from a Field Experiment.” Public Management Review 25, no. 11 (2023): 2073–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2022.2058597.

Zahwa Khairunnisa, Naura Khadijah, Raisa Amani, Noor Fatima. “Reformulation of Corruption Sentencing Policy Based on Substantive Justice.” Indonesian Journal of Corruption and Criminal Justice 1, no. 1 (2026): 27–40. https://doi.org/10.65586/ijccj.v1i1.8.

Cover Image
Published
2026-06-01
Section
Articles
License

Copyright (c) 2026 Suparman Suparman, Siti Fatimah, Hamza Mansour (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Legal Policy on Transparency in Combating Corruption through the Criminal Justice System: A Historical Analysis. (2026). Indonesian Journal of Corruption and Criminal Justice, 1(2), 67-85. https://doi.org/10.65586/ijccj.v1i2.12