Legal Literacy - The judicial system in Indonesia is divided into two types: general courts and special courts. Each has a different focus and authority to handle cases. Understanding the differences is important to ensure proper access to justice for the community.

General Courts

General courts are courts authorized to adjudicate all criminal and civil cases that are not within the authority of special courts. These courts have a hierarchical structure consisting of:

General courts in Indonesia are divided into 3 levels, namely:

1. District Court (PN)

  • Level:First
  • Domicile:In the city or regency capital
  • Legal area:Covers the city or regency area
  • Authority:Adjudicates criminal and civil cases at the first level

2. High Court (PT)

  • Level:Appeal
  • Domicile:In the provincial capital
  • Legal area:Covers the provincial area
  • Authority:Adjudicates appeal cases from district courts in its territory

3. Supreme Court (MA)

  • Level:Cassation and Judicial Review (PK)
  • Domicile:In Jakarta
  • Legal area:The entire territory of Indonesia
  • Authority:Adjudicates cassation and judicial review cases from high courts throughout Indonesia

Special Courts

Special courts are formed to handle specific cases that require special expertise and arrangements that differ from general courts. Here are some examples of special courts:

1. State Administrative Court (PTUN)

  • Authority:resolves cases relating to the relationship between citizens and government bodies or officials.
  • Case example:business license disputes, lawsuits against state administrative decisions, and others.
  • Structure:has a hierarchical structure consisting of the Supreme Administrative Court (MATUN), the High Administrative Court (PTTUN), and the State Administrative Court (PTUN).