# Indonesian Supreme Court judicial circular controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-supreme-court-judicial-circular-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-24T23:20:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Supreme Court of Indonesia issued Circular Letter (SEMA) Number 3 of 2026 to provide guidance for judges on pre-trial proceedings. Chief Justice Sunarto stated the measure aims to ensure legal certainty and promote “simple, fast, and low-cost justice,” particularly when pre-trial matters intersect with main cases. Under these guidelines, if a pre-trial request is registered, the main trial cannot proceed until a decision is reached; however, if a request is filed after a case has already been transferred, the request is deemed inadmissible.

Additionally, SEMA Number 4 of 2026 was issued to address the finality of acquittal verdicts in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) Law No. 20 of 2025. This restricts prosecutors from pursuing appeals or cassation against acquittals, a move that has sparked debate regarding judicial accountability.

Legal counsel for Roy Suryo, Abdul Gafur Sangadji, has criticized SEMA Number 3 of 2026, describing the timing of its release as “miris” (sad/regrettable) while his client is undergoing a pre-trial process. Sangadji argued that the circular should function only as an administrative technical guideline and expressed concern that it introduces new norms that could create legal uncertainty regarding the existing Criminal Procedure Code.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Supreme Court Circular on pre-trial rules draws criticism from Roy Suryo's legal team

Lawyers for Roy Suryo have criticized the Indonesian Supreme Court's issuance of SEMA 3/2026, arguing it creates legal uncertainty and improperly introduces new norms that conflict with the Criminal Procedure__

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/supreme-court-circular-on-pre-trial-rules-draws-criticism-from-roy-suryos-legal-team

### 2026-08-21: Supreme Court of Indonesia issues new circulars on pre-trial and acquittal rulings

The Indonesian Supreme Court issued new circulars (SEMA 3/2026 and 4/2026) to regulate pre-trial proceedings and the finality of acquittal verdicts to ensure legal certainty.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/supreme-court-of-indonesia-issues-new-circulars-on-pre-trial-and-acquittal-rulings

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Cite as: Indonesian Supreme Court judicial circular controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-supreme-court-judicial-circular-controversy