Indonesia’s judicial system adopts a three-tier final appeal system. This means that every case can go through three levels of review, with the Supreme Court making the final ruling.
The first instance is usually heard in the district court. Here, the judge will examine the facts of the case and render a verdict. If either party is dissatisfied with the decision, they can appeal to the higher court.
The second level of appeal takes place in the provincial high court. The high court will re-examine the case and may either overturn or uphold the original judgment. If the parties are still not satisfied, they can further appeal to the Supreme Court.
The final appeal process happens at the Indonesian Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has the ultimate decision-making power, and its judgments are legally binding. This three-tier appeal system provides safeguards for judicial fairness and legal certainty.
This three-level judicial review system helps to fully protect the litigants’ right to appeal. Each stage offers an opportunity for examination and defense, ensuring the fairness and correctness of the final ruling. Even at the Supreme Court, the parties can continue to appeal until a satisfactory result is obtained.
Of course, the three-tier final appeal system also has its limitations. The entire litigation process may drag on for years, imposing a heavy burden on the parties and judicial resources. As a result, the Indonesian government has in recent years been exploring ways to streamline the review process and improve judicial efficiency.
Overall, Indonesia’s three-tier final appeal system reflects the judicial system’s pursuit of justice and certainty. It provides ample opportunities for redress to the parties, but at the same time, a balance needs to be struck between efficiency and fairness.
