Rechtsidee
Vol 13 No 1 (2025): June
Criminal Law

Model of Paranormal Testimony as Evidence in the Crime of Witchcraft from the Perspective of Legal Certainty

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  • Erny Herlin Setyorini*,
  • Yovita Arie Mangesti,
  • Frans Simangunsong,
  • Arsyah Geuvarra,
  • Rendi Arrofi,
  • Andhika Tedja Widayata
Erny Herlin Setyorini
Master of Law Study Program, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia *
Yovita Arie Mangesti
Doctoral of Law Study Program, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Frans Simangunsong
Law Study Program, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Arsyah Geuvarra
Law Study Program, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Rendi Arrofi
Law Study Program, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia
Andhika Tedja Widayata
Law Study Program, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia

(*) Corresponding Author
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21070/jihr.v13i1.1058


Picture in here are illustration from public domain image or provided by the author, as part of their works
Published June 26, 2025
Keywords
  • Paranormal Witness,
  • Evidence,
  • Witchcraft Crime,
  • Legal Certainty
How to Cite
Setyorini, E. H., Mangesti, Y. A., Simangunsong, F., Geuvarra, A., Arrofi, R., & Widayata, A. T. (2025). Model of Paranormal Testimony as Evidence in the Crime of Witchcraft from the Perspective of Legal Certainty. Rechtsidee, 13(1), 10.21070/jihr.v13i1.1058. https://doi.org/10.21070/jihr.v13i1.1058

Copyright (c) 2025 Erny Herlin Setyorini, Yovita Arie Mangesti, Frans Simangunsong, Arsyah Geuvarra, Rendi Arrofi, Andhika Tedja Widayata (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

 
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Abstract

General Background: The criminalization of black magic presents complex challenges at the intersection of law, culture, and religion. Specific Background: Article 252 of Indonesia's National Criminal Code regulates black magic based on claims of supernatural power, punishable by imprisonment or fines. Knowledge Gap: However, there is limited clarity on the role of paranormal witnesses in the evidentiary framework of such crimes, particularly from the perspective of legal certainty. Aims: This study aims to design a model for utilizing paranormal witnesses as supporting evidence in black magic cases. Results: Employing a sociolegal method with legislative and conceptual approaches, supplemented by interviews with East Java Regional Police investigators and religious figures, findings reveal that scientific investigation methods are prioritized over paranormal testimony. In Islamic law, proving black magic requires confession, valid witness testimony, or strong qarinah, with input from ruqyah experts serving only as reinforcement. Novelty: The study introduces a model that aligns with Article 184(1) Jo. 183 of the Criminal Procedure Code, positioning paranormal testimony as non-autonomous, corroborative evidence. Implications: The research proposes establishing a certified paranormal association to ensure formal legality and regulated participation in criminal investigations involving supernatural claims.

Highlights:

  • Legal evidence for black magic relies on scientific and sharia-valid proof.

  • Paranormal testimony serves only as supporting (non-primary) evidence.

  • Certified paranormal associations are proposed for formal legal legitimacy.

Keywords: Paranormal Witness, Evidence, Witchcraft Crime, Legal Certainty

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