<![CDATA[Diversion is a mechanism for resolving juvenile cases outside the criminal justice system that prioritizes restorative justice. This study aims to describe the application of diversion in the Juvenile Criminal Justice System in Indonesia and to analyze its challenges based on Lawrence M. Friedman’s Theory of Legal Systems, which encompasses legal structure, substance, and culture. The method used is empirical legal research with a juridical-empirical approach, conducted through interviews with law enforcement officials, observations, and a literature review, followed by qualitative analysis. The results show that the implementation of diversion in Indonesia has not been optimal, with a success rate of only about 7.63 percent of juvenile cases resolved through this mechanism between 2021 and 2024. The challenges in implementing diversion are influenced by three main elements of Friedman’s theory. Regarding legal structure, constraints include limited institutional capacity and human resources, a shortage of certified juvenile judges, a limited number of Probation Offices and Probation Officers, and suboptimal inter-agency coordination. Regarding legal substance, Law No. 11/2012 provides the legal basis; however, Article 7(2) limits diversion to criminal offenses carrying a sentence of less than seven years and non-repeat offenses, meaning not all juvenile cases can be resolved through restorative measures. In legal culture, the success of diversion is influenced by the awareness and understanding of the parties involved and the community, where there remains a stigma that justice can only be achieved through formal processes. This study concludes that the success of diversion is determined not only by legal rules but also, simultaneously, by the effectiveness of institutions and the support of legal culture.]]>
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