Comparative Implementation of Child Protection Law Between Indonesia and the Netherlands: A Study of Juvenile Justice System

This research analyzes the comparative implementation of child protection law between Indonesia and the Netherlands with a focus on the juvenile justice system. Both countries have different approaches in handling children in conflict with the law, although both are based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Indonesia implements the juvenile criminal justice system as stipulated in Law Number 11 of 2012 with a restorative justice approach through diversion, while the Netherlands uses a system that emphasizes rehabilitative and preventive approaches with well-established diversion programs since the early 20th century. This study employs a normative juridical method with a comparative approach to analyze the legal framework, implementation, and effectiveness of both systems. The findings indicate that although Indonesia has adopted a restorative justice approach, its implementation still faces various challenges including inconsistent application of diversion, limited resources, and a legal culture still oriented toward punishment. The Netherlands, with longer experience, demonstrates success in reducing the number of children in the formal justice system through diversion programs such as Bureau Halt and integrated youth care approaches. This research recommends strengthening institutional capacity, harmonizing regulations, enhancing alternative sentencing programs, and learning from Dutch best practices to improve the effectiveness of child protection in Indonesia's justice system.