JURIDICAL ANALYSIS OF THE AUTHORITY OF THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR IN INVESTIGATING CORRUPTION CASES

Abstract

Objective: This study juridically analyzes the exercise of authority by the Indonesian Prosecutor's Office in investigating corruption cases and identifies the principal legal and institutional obstacles affecting its implementation. Method: The research uses normative legal research with statutory and conceptual approaches. Primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials were collected through library research and analyzed qualitatively using a descriptive-analytical method. Results: The findings show that prosecutorial authority to investigate corruption has a clear statutory basis in the Criminal Procedure Code, the Prosecutor's Office Law and its amendment, and the anti-corruption legislation. Nevertheless, its implementation continues to face overlapping authority with the Indonesian National Police and the Corruption Eradication Commission, differences in legal interpretation, limited investigative resources, complex proof of state financial losses, and coordination challenges. Novelty: The study integrates authority theory and law-enforcement theory to explain why the effectiveness of corruption investigations depends not only on the existence of statutory authority but also on regulatory harmonization, institutional coordination, professional capacity, independence, and public trust.