PENERAPAN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PENYELESAIAN KASUS NARKOTIKA DENGAN FOKUS PADA REHABILITASI ANAK PELAKU KEJAHATAN

Restorative Justice views child offenders as individuals who can be rehabilitated rather than merely imposing punitive sanctions. This raises questions about the effectiveness of imprisonment in changing the behavior of child offenders, especially in narcotics cases, which often involve complex factors such as social instability and mental health issues. By emphasizing rehabilitation, RJ creates space to understand the root causes underlying the criminal behavior of child offenders and to design appropriate recovery strategies. The active participation of child offenders in resolving their cases is a prominent aspect. This contrasts with the traditional approach, where decisions and punishments are made without actively involving the child. RJ grants the child the right to speak, share their perspectives, and contribute to planning their own rehabilitation. This fosters a sense of responsibility and control over their recovery journey, encouraging more positive engagement. In the context of relationships with victims, RJ provides an opportunity for reconciliation and rebuilding trust. The provision of space for direct meetings between child offenders and victims creates an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the impact of criminal actions. This can foster empathy and responsibility, transforming the dynamics of the relationship from conflict to a joint effort to repair and restore. However, the implementation of RJ also requires serious attention in addressing its challenges and criticisms. It is necessary to appropriately involve all parties, including victims who may not feel comfortable or safe participating. The harmony between the needs of the child offender, the victim, and the community is also a critical point that needs to be carefully considered.

Keywords: Restorative Justice, Rehabilitation, Children, Narcotics.