Ideal Duration of Investigations into Alleged Criminal Offenses According to Indonesian Citizens

The Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) conducted a public opinion survey on the revision of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).

The survey results show that a majority, or 69.3% of respondents, agree that the KUHAP revision should include regulations on the maximum time limit for investigations.

Of this group, 55.7% of respondents believe that the investigation time for alleged criminal acts should be limited to less than three months.

Specifically, 7.1% chose a maximum limit of 0.5 months; 15.7% chose one month; 10% chose two months; and 21.4% chose three months as the maximum investigation duration.

Furthermore, 20% of respondents considered the ideal time for investigating criminal acts to be more than 3 months, namely 4-6 months. Specifically, 4.3% chose a maximum limit of 4 months and 15.7% chose 6 months.

Meanwhile, only 17.1% of respondents believed that investigations could be conducted for more than 12 months, with a breakdown of 14.3% for 12 months; 1.4% for 24 months, and 1.4% for 36 months.

The proportion of respondents who support investigation time limits exceeding 12 months is lower, as shown in the attached graph.

This survey also captures public perception regarding the necessary steps if an investigation exceeds the maximum time limit. 22.9% believe that coordination is needed for further investigation or termination.

Other respondents agreed to terminate the investigation (20%), provide open updates on the case to the victim (17.1%), and extend the time limit as per previous regulations (11.4%).

The LSI survey involved 101 respondents with knowledge of the KUHAP revision. Respondents were randomly selected and comprised academics, civil society members, legal practitioners, media representatives, law enforcement officials, and representatives of professional organizations. Data collection was conducted from May 20 to June 12, 2025, through interviews.