The Effectiveness of a Restorative Justice Based Juvenile Criminal Justice System in Preventing Recidivism

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a restorative justice based juvenile criminal justice system in preventing recidivism. The research employed a qualitative method with an empirical socio-legal design, chosen for its capacity to comprehensively examine the gap between legal norms and law enforcement practices in the field. This approach enables a contextual analysis of the implementation of restorative justice policies as well as the dynamics of the roles played by law enforcement actors. The study was conducted in Surakarta City, Central Java, a region selected due to its active implementation of diversion mechanisms in handling juvenile cases. The research involved ten informants selected through purposive sampling, consisting of investigators from the Women and Children Protection Unit, prosecutors, juvenile court judges, correctional counselors, social workers, and diversion facilitators. Informant selection was based on their direct involvement in the juvenile criminal justice system to obtain in-depth data and achieve information saturation. The findings indicate that diversion is effective in reducing the risk of recidivism at an early stage; however, its overall effectiveness remains suboptimal due to limited post-diversion assistance and a shortage of professional restorative facilitators. This study recommends strengthening institutional capacity among law enforcement agencies, enhancing continuous post-diversion support, and developing community-based recovery mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of juvenile recidivism prevention.