Amicus Curiae is present to bring and represent the sense of justice that exists in society. They help Judges to see the feelings and thoughts that exist in society regarding a case, so that Judges can broaden their views regarding the legal values that live in that society.

The Practice of Amicus Curiae in the Judiciary in Indonesia

Erasmus Napitupulu, Head of ICJR (Institute for Criminal Justice Reform) submitting an Amicus Curiae or friend of the court letter to the South Jakarta District Court as a line of support for Richcard Eliezer, one of the defendants in the premeditated murder of Brigadier Nofriansyah Yoshua Hutabarat or Brigadier J. The Amicus Curiae was sent with the aim of reducing Eliezer's sentence. In the letter of support, it is clear on the front page that ICJR wrote the sentence "Honesty of heart must be appreciated".

Not alone, ICJR joined hands with PILNET and ELSAM in this action. Erasmus assessed that Richcard had an important role in dismantling the false scenario of the other 4 defendants. Thus, according to him, it would be very appropriate if Eliezer received a lighter sentence than the other defendants.

Erasmus said that ICJR sent Amicus Curiae as a form of support from the public to the court, so that the court could give the fairest possible decision. During the trial process, ICJR initially assessed that the judge and public prosecutor treated Richcard Eliezer or Bharada E well. However, when the prosecutor demanded that Eliezer be sentenced to 12 years in prison, ICJR assessed that inconsistencies began to appear within the prosecutor.

For Erasmus, a light sentence against Bharada E is important for the practice of Indonesian justice in the future. He said that the Amicus Curiae launched at the trial to help Richcard Eliezer is basically to campaign for Justice Colllaborator in subsequent cases. The aim is for the public to understand that being a Justice Collaborator is systematically protected, and will be considered in court decisions.

“Our interest is not only about Bharada E, not about this case, but it is related to an important message to be conveyed to the public. That don't be afraid to give information, to uncover big cases. It is also important for judges and prosecutors to support Justice Collaborator because it will be difficult if they both do not support the system in court, especially in large cases such as corruption and narcotics which are very organized and difficult to uncover”.

“So, so that the judge knows that the judge is not walking alone. That there is a large system that we must save, namely the system Justice Collaborator". Don't let anyone say what's the point of being Justice Collaborator", already tired in court, uncovering the truth, but the demands or decisions are still heavy”. said Erasmus Napitupulu on Monday, January 30, 2023.