In a significant leap toward modernizing Indonesia’s judicial system, the Slawi District Court in Central Java, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago, successfully held the first-ever online witness testimony for a civil case on January 8, 2025. The event marked a key milestone in the implementation of Indonesia’s e-court initiative, which aims to improve accessibility and efficiency in legal proceedings.
The historic online testimony was made possible through a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Supreme Court of Indonesia, formalized by the Cooperation Agreement (PKS E-Court), signed in October 2024. This agreement allows Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate electronic witness and expert testimonies for civil cases, overcoming geographical challenges and enhancing the accessibility of justice for Indonesian citizens and residents abroad.
The pioneering e-court session saw a witness located in Chicago testify directly in a trial at the Slawi District Court, using a video conferencing platform. This successful execution signals a new chapter for Indonesia’s judicial system, enabling witnesses from anywhere in the world to participate in court proceedings without the need for physical presence.
“This first-ever online testimony represents a breakthrough in our legal system. It showcases how technology can bridge distances, making justice more accessible for all,” said a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The e-court initiative is designed to support the participation of both Indonesian and foreign litigants, experts, and witnesses located outside Indonesia in civil cases. It is expected to be expanded to all district courts across the country, including general, religious, and administrative courts, and will be available through Indonesian embassies, consulates, and consulate generals abroad.
The initiative underscores Indonesia’s commitment to fostering a modern, inclusive, and transparent judicial system that caters to the needs of a globally connected society. By using digital platforms to allow remote participation, the e-court system eliminates long-standing barriers that often hinder the timely resolution of cases, particularly those involving overseas citizens or international experts.
The successful implementation of the first e-court trial reflects a collaborative effort between MoFA and the Supreme Court, aiming to streamline legal processes while ensuring fairness and the protection of all parties’ rights. The new system is expected to speed up legal proceedings, reduce the cost and complexity of cross-border testimonies, and encourage broader participation in Indonesia’s legal system from the global Indonesian diaspora.
As this innovative approach gains traction, it is hoped that it will not only make the legal process more efficient but also set an example for other countries looking to modernize their judicial systems with the use of technology.