<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the implementation of party summonses in the settlement of bad credit cases through small claims procedures at the Tolitoli District Court, identify problems arising in the summons process, and examine the implications of the defendant’s absence for case resolution. This study employed a qualitative method with an empirical juridical approach. Data were obtained through an in-depth interview with the Junior Registrar of the Tolitoli District Court, case documentation from the Case Tracking Information System, relevant case documents, and a literature review of legal regulations and related legal literature. The findings show that the small claims procedure is the dominant mechanism used to resolve bad credit cases at the Tolitoli District Court, with 91 out of 93 cases during the 2020–2025 period resolved through this mechanism. The main problems concern the implementation of summonses and the absence of defendants. The summons mechanism changed from direct service by court bailiffs during 2020–2022 to written notices delivered through postal services during 2023–2025. Defendant absence may require repeated summonses, potentially extending the case resolution process. In Case Number 8/Pdt.G.S/2024/PN Tli, the defendants failed to appear after three summonses, resulting in a default judgment. The study concludes that the summons of parties is a strategic procedural stage that affects the efficiency and timeliness of small claims proceedings and must be implemented while ensuring procedural certainty and the protection of the parties’ rights.]]>
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