The Role of Prosecutors in the Pre-Prosecution Stage to Ensure the Quality of Justice-Based Case Files (Case Study of the Manggarai District Attorney's Office)

Abstract

The pre-prosecution stage plays a strategic role in determining the quality of prosecution and the attainment of justice in the criminal justice system. In practice, prosecutors at the Manggarai District Attorney's Office are required to ensure the completeness and validity of case files in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Normatively, prosecutors have the authority to control the investigation process based on the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), but in reality, various obstacles are still found, such as limited investigation quality, poor coordination between law enforcement officials, and a formalistic work culture. These conditions indicate a gap between das sollen and das sein, so this study aims to analyze the role and obstacles prosecutors face in ensuring the quality of justice-based case files. This study employed an empirical legal research method with a sociological-juridical approach. Data were obtained through interviews and documentation studies to understand the implementation of pre-prosecution proceedings directly within the prosecutor's office. This approach was used to assess the alignment between applicable legal provisions and their implementation in criminal case handling. The research results indicate that the implementation of pre-prosecution at the Manggarai District Attorney's Office has essentially been carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. However, its implementation is still influenced by structural and cultural factors that impact the independence and professionalism of prosecutors. Therefore, strengthening coordination between law enforcement officials, increasing human resource capacity, and internalizing the values of justice are necessary to realize a more effective, professional, and integrity-based prosecution system.