Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto has issued a stern directive to his internal staff, emphasizing the need for extreme caution as the agency adopts Indonesia’s new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). Using a racing analogy to illustrate the risks of procedural errors, Setyo noted that even legendary figures like Valentino Rossi or Marc Marquez can crash on a turn, despite their world-class expertise. “I hope the KPK avoids any mistakes that could lead to legal repercussions,” Setyo stated, as quoted by Antara on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Setyo shared these remarks during a Knowledge Management Day event held earlier this week, specifically themed around the implementation of the new KUHP and KUHAP within the KPK’s operations. This forum served as a critical component of the commission’s internal consolidation, ensuring that all aspects of investigation, prosecution, and case handling remain agile and compliant as Indonesia undergoes a massive national regulatory harmonization.
The discussions in the forum centered on the first book of the new Criminal Code, which holds significant implications for how corruption cases are substantiated. A primary concern is maintaining the KPK’s status as a lex specialis—a specialized law enforcement agency. While the nation is currently navigating the transition of hundreds of sectoral regulations, the KPK has reaffirmed that corruption and money laundering (TPPU) will remain core crimes, subject to specialized handling and rigorous criminal penalties.
The shift toward these new codes follows a structured legislative timeline. Former President Joko Widodo signed Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which was officially enacted by State Secretary Pratikno on January 2, 2023. Under Article 624 of this law, the provisions were set to take effect three years post-enactment, on January 2, 2026.
In parallel, President Prabowo Subianto signed Law Number 20 of 2025 regarding the new Criminal Procedure Code, which was enacted by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi on December 17, 2025. According to Article 369 of the new KUHAP, these procedures also officially came into force on January 2, 2026.
Editor’s Note: Exploring the Challenges of the New KUHP and KUHAP
Summary
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto has urged his staff to exercise extreme caution as the agency implements Indonesia’s new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). Using a racing analogy, he emphasized that even experts can face setbacks, highlighting the need to avoid procedural errors that could result in legal repercussions during this transition. This directive was delivered during a Knowledge Management Day forum focused on ensuring operational compliance as the agency navigates national regulatory harmonization.
The discussions prioritized maintaining the KPK’s role as a specialized law enforcement body, confirming that corruption and money laundering remain core crimes subject to rigorous handling. The implementation of these new codes follows a legislative timeline established under laws enacted in 2023 and 2025, which officially took effect on January 2, 2026. The commission aims to remain agile and effective in its investigations while strictly adhering to the updated regulatory framework.