Development of forensic medicine in post reform Indonesia

• Published in: Journal of forensic and legal medicine Vol. 58; pp. 56 - 63
• Main Authors: Syukriani, Yoni Fuadah, Novita, Nita, Sunjaya, Deni K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2018
• Subjects: Forensic medicine; Health law; Health system; Indonesia; Police; Health system; Health law; Forensic medicine; Police; Indonesia
• ISSN: 1752-928X; 1878-7487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.05.001

Forensic medicine practice in Indonesia was introduced through the Dutch colonial criminal justice system in the early twentieth century. After more than 70 years of national independence, the development of forensic medicine still faces fundamental challenges, including confusion in the distribution of responsibility with law enforcement agencies, difficulties in managing conflicts of interest, and impediments in scientific practice and professional development. Despite of the golden opportunity from the Indonesian Reform movement in the late 1990s, the impact on forensic medicine development has been less than expected. It is thus important to identify the scope of the problems plaguing the development of forensic medicine, as well as its causes. We conducted a qualitative study to explain the problems and propose solutions. The results show that the standards of practice have developed more slowly than those in many other branches of medicine, despite its increasing popularity from its role in counterterrorism and disaster victim identification. A strong thriving spirit exists in forensic science, although growth in forensic research activities should be facilitated more. The 2009 Health Law has included forensic medicine practice in the health system to cover the role of forensic medicine for health and medical education purposes. It also potentially provides a way to support the justice system without exposing forensic practitioners to possible conflicts of interest, for instance, by utilizing a tiered referral system. To this aim, an alternative is proposed: to place forensic medicine practice within the context of the health system. •Forensic medicine in Indonesia needs attention to guarantee its independence and impartiality.•Health system can become a good alternative setting to facilitate networking forensic service.•Teaching hospital can be the centre to ensure the academic character of forensic service.