The Limitations and Legitimacy of Judges in Filling Legal Vapor Amidst Demand for Progressive Legal Reform

Hary Kesowo Wibowo; KMS Herman

doi:10.47134/jcl.v3i3.1.5782

Authors

Hary Kesowo Wibowo Borobudur University, Jakarta, Indonesia
KMS Herman Borobudur University, Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47134/jcl.v3i3.1.5782

Keywords:

Legal Vacancy, Legal Discovery, Judicial Legitimacy

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the limitations and legitimacy of judges in filling the legal vacuum amidst demands for progressive legal reform in the Indonesian legal system. The legal vacuum (rechtvacuum) is a consequence of societal dynamics that cannot always be balanced by the formation of laws and regulations. In this context, judges have a constitutional and legal obligation to continue examining and deciding cases as mentioned in both Article 24 paragraph (1) of the Republic of Indonesia's 1945 Constitution and Article 5 paragraph (1) and Article 10 paragraph (1) of Law Number 48 of 2009 respecting Judicial Power. This research employs a statutory and conceptual approach using a normative legal strategy. The results of the study indicate that legal discovery (rechtsvinding) is an obligation of judges as a consequence of the principle of ius curiae novit and the principle of the rule of law. However, the expansion of the role of judges within a progressive legal framework must remain within constitutional limits by respecting the system of checks and balances and the idea of separation of powers. The legitimacy of judges in filling legal gaps is determined by a clear normative basis, rational and systematic legal argumentation, and an orientation toward protecting constitutional rights and substantive justice. Thus, the progressive role of judges can contribute to national legal reform without exceeding legislative authority.

References

Afdhal, F. 2024. “Kekosongan Hukum (Rechtsvacuum) Dari Tidak Dilaksanakannya Delegasi Pembentukan Peraturan Perundang-Undangan (Studi Pembentukan Peraturan Delegasi Dalam Undang-Undang Yang Dibentuk Rentang Tahun 2012–2023) (Disertasi, Universitas Andalas).”

Amin, F. 2023. “Nilai Pancasila Dalam Metode Penemuan Hukum: Orientasi Dan Konstruksi Nilai Pancasila Dalam Rechtsvinding. Ajudikasi: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, 7(2), 299–314.”

Annisa, N. F. 2017. “Peranan Hakim Sebagai Penegak Hukum Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Nomor 48 Tahun 2009 Tentang Kekuasaan Kehakiman. Lex et Societatis, 5(3), 23–30.”

Al Arif, M. Y. 2019. “Penegakan Hukum Dalam Perspektif Hukum Progresif. Undang: Jurnal Hukum, 2(1), 169–192.”

Atikah, I. S. 2023. “Yurisprudensi Sebagai Upaya Koreksi Terhadap Kekosongan Dan Kelemahan Undang-Undang. YUDHISTIRA: Jurnal Yurisprudensi, Hukum Dan Peradilan, 1(2), 61–69.”

Friedmann, W. 2023. “Law in a Changing Society. University of California Press.”

Hantoro, N. M., et al. 2018. “Hakim: Antara Pengaturan Dan Implementasinya. Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia.”

Indarta, Y. 2025. “Cyber Law: Dimensi Hukum Dalam Era Digital. Pustaka Galeri Mandiri.”

Loway, S. 2022. “Kedudukan Hakim Dalam Proses Pembuktian Peradilan Pidana Indonesia. Lex Crimen, 11(5), 34–42.”

Nasir, G. A. 2017. “Kekosongan Hukum & Percepatan Perkembangan Masyarakat. Jurnal Hukum Replik, 5(2), 172–183.”

Ngafifi, M. 2014. “Kemajuan Teknologi Dan Pola Hidup Manusia Dalam Perspektif Sosial Budaya. Jurnal Pembangunan Pendidikan: Fondasi Dan Aplikasi, 2(1), 33–47.”

Putri, S. 2025. “Peran Hakim Dalam Menjamin Keseimbangan Hak Dan Kewajiban Para Pihak Dalam Proses Persidangan Perdata. Sriwijaya Journal of Private Law, 155–164.”

Rosadi, E. 2016. “Putusan Hakim Yang Berkeadilan. Badamai Law Journal, 1(2), 381–400.”

Suryoutomo, M., & Febriharini, M. P. 2020. “Penemuan Hukum (Rechtsvinding) Hakim Dalam Perkara Perdata Sebagai Aspek Mengisi Kekosongan Hukum. Jurnal Hukum Dan Dinamika Masyarakat, 18(1), 112–120.”

Tumpa, H. A. 2025. “Penerapan Konsep Rechtsvinding Dan Rechtsschepping Oleh Hakim Dalam Memutus Suatu Perkara. Hasanuddin Law Review, 1(2), 126–138.”