Makassar, South Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Restorative justice is an alternative approach for addressing and settling criminal cases, according to Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin.

"It has been proven that restorative justice has become one alternative to settle criminal cases," Burhanuddin said during the launch of the Restorative Justice House in nine regions, including South Sulawesi, by virtual means on Wednesday.

"Through the restorative justice approach, harmonious life will return in the community," the attorney general said.

Restorative justice is a logical consequence of the ultimum remedium principle that makes criminal justice the last resort in law enforcement, as well as the implementation of justice, proportional, quick, simple, and low-cost principles, he noted.

"Hence, the termination of prosecution through restorative justice employment is to provide protection for victims and other legal interests," Burhanuddin remarked.

The attorney general said that the Restorative Justice House is expected to be a safe harbor for residents to deliberate and seek solutions to redress the effects of petty crimes and ensure the return of peace, harmony, and balance among residents, just like before the criminal activities occurred.

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Meanwhile, South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, who also attended the launch event, expressed his utmost support for the Attorney General Office's innovation in the establishment of Restorative Justice House.

"The presence (of the Restorative Justice House) is expected to also promote local custom and be a medium to implement values prevailing in the community (in conflict resolution). The House is also expected to host consensus deliberation to achieve harmony and peace in the community," Sulaiman said.

The presence of the Restorative Justice House in South Sulawesi is consistent with the Attorney General’s Regulation No. 15 of 2020 on the termination of prosecution through restorative justice, he noted.

The Attorney General’s Office has settled 821 cases nationwide through restorative justice, and the facility is expected to host negotiations and deliberations among residents to achieve consensus and resolve issues without advancing to criminal prosecution.
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Translator: Abdul Kadir, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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