Legal Practitioner Rahmat Sorialam Harahap: The State Cannot Be Defeated by Opinion Courts

Legal practitioner Rahmat Sorialam Harahap asserts that Indonesia, functioning as a state governed by law, must guarantee that all legal enforcement processes are conducted according to established rules, free from the pressures of public opinion or fleeting interests. He highlighted that the principle of a rule of law, as stipulated in Article 1, Paragraph (3) of the Indonesian Constitution, mandates all state officials, including law enforcement personnel, to exercise their authority professionally, objectively, and with respect for citizens' rights.

"Law should not transform into a court of public opinion," Harahap stated in a written release on Sunday, July 12, 2026. He elaborated that individuals cannot be declared guilty based solely on public perception, extensive media coverage, or social pressure. Guilt must be substantiated through legitimate legal procedures and adjudicated by the competent authorities.

“

Law does not have to change into a court of opinion.

Harahap further explained that the success of law enforcement is not merely measured by the number of cases uncovered or the speed of legal proceedings. The quality of the legal process itself is paramount. "Dignified law enforcement is law enforcement that can maintain a balance between efforts to eradicate criminal acts and the protection of everyone's rights," he remarked.

He underscored that Pancasila, as the source of all legal sources, provides clear direction that Indonesian law should not solely pursue legal certainty but must also deliver justice and uphold human dignity. According to Harahap, this value is reflected in the second principle of Pancasila, "Just and Civilized Humanity," which mandates that every person be treated fairly and with dignity throughout all stages of the legal process.

“

Dignified law enforcement is law enforcement that can maintain a balance between efforts to eradicate criminal acts and the protection of everyone's rights.