SHARE Journal: Studi Hukum Keuangan Negara/Daerah
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): JSHARE Vol. 2 No. 1, July 2026

Odious Debt dan Illegitimate Debt dalam Hukum Internasional: Implikasi Terhadap Audit Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan atas Utang Luar Negeri Indonesia: Odious Debt and Illegitimate Debt in International Law: Implications for the Audit of Indonesia’s Foreign Debt by the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia

Reninda Dwi Astuti (Fakultas Hukum, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta)
Pipit Adila Wati (Fakultas Hukum, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta)
Septiandro Surya Dewangga (Fakultas Teknik Elektro, Universitas Telkom, Bandung)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Jul 2026

Abstract

The launch of the Whoosh Railway has raised discussions regarding the legitimacy of foreign debt (ULN). Since the early days of independence, development in Indonesia has frequently utilized foreign debt funds, a practice exemplified by the Whoosh project. The doctrine of odious debt asserts that debt obligations which are not used for the benefit of the people cannot be charged to the state. This concept is expanded by the illegitimate debt doctrine, which adds the variable of negotiation transparency. This study aims to analyze both the odious debt and illegitimate debt doctrines within the framework of international law and to identify the normative boundaries of the Audit Board's (BPK) authority in auditing foreign debt. A juridical-normative method is chosen to examine the existing positive law. The research approach is conducted through three methods, namely conceptual, comparative, and case-based approaches. Based on the analysis of the Whoosh Train case within the framework of the odious debt and illegitimate debt doctrines, the case is more likely to be classified as illegitimate debt due to procedural flaws in the decision making process. Both doctrines can serve as additional evaluative perspectives for the Supreme Audit Board (BPK) in auditing debt policy, particularly in screening for nontransparent debt. However, neither doctrines is yet sufficient to serve as a legal basis for determining the validity of state debt, given their status as soft law.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JSHARE

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

SHARE Journal is a scholarly publication in the field of law published by the Legal Development and Supervision Agency for State Financial Audit, Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia. SHARE Journal is a platform for academics and legal practitioners to share legal knowledge with the wider ...