The Complexity of Narcotics Abuse Cases Involving Children

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 72 views

Criminal Liability of Children as Actors of Narcotics Abuse: Study of Decision of the Tebing Tinggi District Court No. 21/Pid.Sus-Anak/2018/PN.TBT

Introduction

Narcotics abuse in Indonesia has become a pressing concern, with a significant number of children involved as perpetrators. The phenomenon of children being both perpetrators and victims of narcotics abuse is known as "Mutual Victimization." This issue has garnered attention from the government, which has implemented stricter regulations to handle children involved in criminal offenses. Two key laws that need to be observed are Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics and Law No. 11 of 2012 concerning Child Criminal Justice System.

The Complexity of Narcotics Abuse Cases Involving Children

Narcotics abuse cases involving children are complex and multifaceted. The involvement of children in narcotics abuse cases is a concern not only for the government but also for the justice system. The decision of the Tebing Tinggi District Court No. 21/Pid.Sus-Anak/2018/PN.TBT highlights the challenges faced by the justice system in handling children involved in narcotics abuse cases. The case study provides valuable insights into the application of laws and the accountability of children in the justice system.

Application of Law and Criminal Accountability

Understanding Criminal Accountability of Children

In the legal context, children involved in the crime of narcotics abuse are treated differently compared to adults. The Criminal Justice System Law for Children provides a framework that aims to rehabilitate and not just punish. This approach shows that the treatment of children involved in criminal acts should be more humane and focus on recovery. However, in the case under study, the decision of the Tebing Tinggi District Court indicates that diversion was not carried out. This incompatibility between theory and practice of applicable law raises concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system in handling children involved in narcotics abuse cases.

The Importance of Diversion in the Justice System

Diversion is a crucial step in the justice system that aims to minimize the negative impact of the judicial process on children. Ideally, law enforcers, ranging from investigators to judges, should be able to find a way out through legal diversification as regulated in Article 7 of the Child Criminal Justice System Law. The aim is to prevent children from being trapped in the judicial process and to provide them with the necessary support and rehabilitation.

Analysis of Legal Constraints

Constraints Faced by Law Enforcement Officials

Effective law enforcement requires a deep understanding of existing regulations and how to apply them. However, in practice, obstacles often arise, both in terms of human resources and legal infrastructure that have not fully supported the protection of children's rights. The importance of awareness and training for law enforcement officials becomes crucial. They need to be equipped with adequate knowledge about the Child Criminal Justice System Law in order to apply the law in the right and appropriate way.

The Need for Awareness and Training

Awareness and training for law enforcement officials are essential in ensuring that they apply the law correctly. Without an appropriate approach, efforts to prevent and control narcotics abuse in children will not be achieved optimally. The government and other stakeholders need to provide adequate support and resources to law enforcement officials to ensure that they are equipped to handle narcotics abuse cases involving children effectively.

Conclusion

Narcotics abuse cases involving children are complex issues that require serious attention from various parties. Through an analysis of the decision of the Tebing Tinggi District Court No. 21/Pid.Sus-Anak/2018/PN.TBT, we can understand the importance of the application of appropriate and comprehensive law. In addition, the need for legal diversification and good implementation of the Child Criminal Justice System Law is an essential step to prevent children from being stuck in a justice system that harms them. With awareness and collaborative efforts from all parties, it is expected that the protection of the children of criminal acts can be better realized in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of the decision of the Tebing Tinggi District Court No. 21/Pid.Sus-Anak/2018/PN.TBT, the following recommendations can be made:

The government should provide adequate support and resources to law enforcement officials to ensure that they are equipped to handle narcotics abuse cases involving children effectively.
The justice system should prioritize diversion and rehabilitation over punishment to minimize the negative impact of the judicial process on children.
Law enforcement officials should be equipped with adequate knowledge about the Child Criminal Justice System Law to apply the law in the right and appropriate way.
Awareness and training programs should be provided to law enforcement officials to ensure that they understand the importance of protecting children's rights.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

The effectiveness of diversion and rehabilitation programs in reducing the negative impact of the judicial process on children.
The role of law enforcement officials in applying the Child Criminal Justice System Law.
The importance of awareness and training programs for law enforcement officials in ensuring that they apply the law correctly.
The impact of narcotics abuse on children and the need for comprehensive support and rehabilitation programs.

By understanding the complexities of narcotics abuse cases involving children, we can work towards creating a more effective and compassionate justice system that prioritizes the protection and rehabilitation of children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Child Criminal Responsibility as a Criminal Actor of Narcotics Abuse

Q: What is the current situation regarding child criminal responsibility in Indonesia?

A: In Indonesia, children involved in narcotics abuse cases are treated differently compared to adults. The Criminal Justice System Law for Children provides a framework that aims to rehabilitate and not just punish. However, in practice, obstacles often arise, both in terms of human resources and legal infrastructure that have not fully supported the protection of children's rights.

Q: What is the role of the government in addressing child criminal responsibility?

A: The government has implemented stricter regulations to handle children involved in criminal offenses. Two key laws that need to be observed are Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics and Law No. 11 of 2012 concerning Child Criminal Justice System. The government should provide adequate support and resources to law enforcement officials to ensure that they are equipped to handle narcotics abuse cases involving children effectively.

Q: What is the importance of diversion in the justice system?

A: Diversion is a crucial step in the justice system that aims to minimize the negative impact of the judicial process on children. Ideally, law enforcers, ranging from investigators to judges, should be able to find a way out through legal diversification as regulated in Article 7 of the Child Criminal Justice System Law. The aim is to prevent children from being trapped in the judicial process and to provide them with the necessary support and rehabilitation.

Q: What are the challenges faced by law enforcement officials in handling narcotics abuse cases involving children?

A: Effective law enforcement requires a deep understanding of existing regulations and how to apply them. However, in practice, obstacles often arise, both in terms of human resources and legal infrastructure that have not fully supported the protection of children's rights. The importance of awareness and training for law enforcement officials becomes crucial. They need to be equipped with adequate knowledge about the Child Criminal Justice System Law in order to apply the law in the right and appropriate way.

Q: What is the impact of narcotics abuse on children?

A: Narcotics abuse has a significant impact on children, both physically and emotionally. Children involved in narcotics abuse cases are often victims of exploitation and abuse. The justice system should prioritize the protection and rehabilitation of children, rather than punishment.

Q: What are the recommendations for addressing child criminal responsibility?

A: Based on the analysis of the decision of the Tebing Tinggi District Court No. 21/Pid.Sus-Anak/2018/PN.TBT, the following recommendations can be made:

The government should provide adequate support and resources to law enforcement officials to ensure that they are equipped to handle narcotics abuse cases involving children effectively.
The justice system should prioritize diversion and rehabilitation over punishment to minimize the negative impact of the judicial process on children.
Law enforcement officials should be equipped with adequate knowledge about the Child Criminal Justice System Law to apply the law in the right and appropriate way.
Awareness and training programs should be provided to law enforcement officials to ensure that they understand the importance of protecting children's rights.

Q: What are the future research directions for addressing child criminal responsibility?

A: Future research should focus on the following areas:

The effectiveness of diversion and rehabilitation programs in reducing the negative impact of the judicial process on children.
The role of law enforcement officials in applying the Child Criminal Justice System Law.
The importance of awareness and training programs for law enforcement officials in ensuring that they apply the law correctly.
The impact of narcotics abuse on children and the need for comprehensive support and rehabilitation programs.

By understanding the complexities of child criminal responsibility, we can work towards creating a more effective and compassionate justice system that prioritizes the protection and rehabilitation of children.