THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN THE RESOLUTION OF JUVENILE CRIMINAL CASES: A VICTIM, OFFENDER, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Restorative justice has emerged as an alternative approach to resolving juvenile criminal cases by emphasizing restoration, reconciliation, and the recovery of relationships between victims, offenders, families, and the community. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of restorative justice in resolving juvenile criminal cases from the perspectives of victims, offenders, and law enforcement officials. The research employs a normative juridical approach supported by conceptual and case approaches to examine the legal framework and implementation of restorative justice in Indonesia. The findings indicate that restorative justice can provide greater opportunities for victims to obtain recovery, encourage offenders to accept responsibility, and reduce the negative consequences of conventional criminal proceedings for children. However, its effectiveness depends on voluntary participation, protection of victims’ rights, proportional agreements, professional law enforcement, and consistent implementation. Therefore, strengthening institutional mechanisms, legal safeguards, and supervision is necessary to ensure that restorative justice genuinely serves the best interests of children while providing fair and meaningful protection for victims.