Visum et Repertum
Published on September 24, 2026
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Definition | A written medicolegal report made by a physician upon official written request from a legal investigator (penyidik), documenting examination findings on a living person, a deceased person, or physical evidence, made under oath for the purposes of justice |
Latin Origin | Visum = "what is seen"; Repertum = "what is found/reported" |
Who Requests It | Investigators (penyidik) from the Indonesian National Police (Polri) or certain civil servant investigators. The minimum rank required for a police investigator is Second Lieutenant (Pembantu Letnan Dua), per Government Regulation No. 27/1983 |
Who Makes It | Any licensed physician (forensic or non-forensic). All physicians are considered capable of producing a VeR in any form |
Legal Basis (Current) | UU No. 20/2025 on Criminal Procedure (New KUHAP), effective January 2, 2026, replacing UU No. 8/1981 |
Evidentiary Status | Classified as documentary evidence (alat bukti surat) under Pasal 235(1) huruf c UU 20/2025, and as expert testimony (keterangan ahli) |
Key Legal Articles | Pasal 239 huruf c UU 20/2025 (expert letter under oath); Pasal 52 UU 20/2025 (costs borne by the state); Pasal 90, 351, 352 KUHP (wound degree classification) |
Cost | Under Pasal 52 of UU 20/2025, all costs for visum conducted in the interest of criminal cases are borne by the state |
Keywords | "Pro Justitia," "keterangan ahli," "alat bukti surat," "derajat luka," "kualifikasi luka," "sumpah jabatan," "atas permintaan penyidik," "kepentingan peradilan" |
01Conceptual Foundation and Legal Framework
Visum et Repertum is the formal bridge between medicine and law in Indonesia. It is not merely a medical record; it is a sworn legal document that translates clinical findings into language the court can use. The concept originates from Dutch colonial law (Staatsblad 1937 No. 350) and has been codified progressively through Indonesian legislation.
The legal obligation for a physician to produce a VeR arises from the Criminal Procedure Code. Under the old KUHAP (UU 8/1981), this was primarily found in Pasal 133 (authority of the investigator to request expert opinion from a forensic physician or other doctor), Pasal 184 (types of lawful evidence), and Pasal 187 huruf c (expert letters as documentary evidence). Since UU No. 20/2025 was enacted on December 17, 2025, and took effect on January 2, 2026, the new KUHAP replaces UU 8/1981 entirely.
Under the new framework, the relevant provisions are:
Pasal 235(1) huruf c classifies VeR as lawful documentary evidence (alat bukti surat).
Pasal 239 huruf c states that a letter qualifies as valid evidence when it is a written expert opinion, made under oath, concerning a matter or condition officially requested of that expert.
Pasal 52 stipulates that all costs incurred for investigative purposes are charged to the state.
A physician cannot refuse a legitimate request for a VeR. Refusal can be penalized under Pasal 224 KUHP (failure to comply with a legal summons). However, the request must come through proper written channels from an authorized investigator, not from the victim, family, or lawyers directly.
Importantly, a VeR produced by a non-forensic physician does not carry the same weight as one produced by a forensic specialist: per the Ministerial Decree (Keputusan Menteri Kehakiman No. M.01.PW.07-03/1982), a non-forensic physician's VeR is classified as "circumstantial evidence" (petunjuk) rather than "expert testimony". This distinction is testable.
02Types and Classification of Visum et Repertum
VeR for Living Victims (Korban Hidup)
Subject
Description
Key Features
Definitive / Seketika
Subject
Living victim
Description
Issued immediately after the examination is completed; the most commonly produced type of VeR
Key Features
Complete with conclusion and wound degree
Sementara (Provisional)
Subject
Living victim undergoing treatment
Description
Given while the victim is still under treatment; used by investigators to determine the type of violence and to detain the suspect
Key Features
No conclusion is written in this type
Lanjutan (Follow-up)
Subject
Living victim after treatment
Description
Issued once treatment is finished, updating the provisional VeR
Key Features
Contains the final conclusion and wound qualification
VeR for Deceased (Jenazah)
Subject
Corpse
Description
Forensic examination of a corpse involves external examination without disrupting tissue integrity, performed meticulously and systematically; may include internal examination (autopsy) if requested
Key Features
Investigator must notify the family before autopsy; autopsy proceeds if the family does not object, or if within 2 days there is no response from the family (Pasal 134 KUHAP)
VeR for Sexual Violence (Kejahatan Susila)
Subject
Living victim of sexual crime
Description
The physician must confirm intercourse, violence (including administration of substances to render the victim unconscious), and the victim's age; also evaluate for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and psychiatric sequelae
Key Features
Genital, non-genital (oral, anal), and general physical examination
VeR Psikiatri
Subject
Suspect / Defendant
Description
Directed at suspects or defendants thought to have committed a crime, not at victims; examines the psychiatric/mental dimension rather than the physical body
Key Features
Used to assess criminal responsibility (kemampuan bertanggung jawab)
VeR for Crime Scene (TKP)
Subject
Scene
Description
Documents findings at the scene of the crime
Key Features
Environmental evidence and body position
VeR for Exhumation (Penggalian Jenazah)
Subject
Exhumed body
Description
Produced after the physician finishes conducting the exhumation of a body
Key Features
Requires judicial order
VeR for Physical Evidence (Barang Bukti)
Subject
Objects
Description
Produced for evidence found and connected with a criminal act, such as blood, semen, a knife, etc.
Key Features
Lab analysis results
Type | Subject | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
VeR for Living Victims (Korban Hidup) | |||
Definitive / Seketika | Living victim | Issued immediately after the examination is completed; the most commonly produced type of VeR | Complete with conclusion and wound degree |
Sementara (Provisional) | Living victim undergoing treatment | Given while the victim is still under treatment; used by investigators to determine the type of violence and to detain the suspect | No conclusion is written in this type |
Lanjutan (Follow-up) | Living victim after treatment | Issued once treatment is finished, updating the provisional VeR | Contains the final conclusion and wound qualification |
VeR for Deceased (Jenazah) | Corpse | Forensic examination of a corpse involves external examination without disrupting tissue integrity, performed meticulously and systematically; may include internal examination (autopsy) if requested | Investigator must notify the family before autopsy; autopsy proceeds if the family does not object, or if within 2 days there is no response from the family (Pasal 134 KUHAP) |
VeR for Sexual Violence (Kejahatan Susila) | Living victim of sexual crime | The physician must confirm intercourse, violence (including administration of substances to render the victim unconscious), and the victim's age; also evaluate for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and psychiatric sequelae | Genital, non-genital (oral, anal), and general physical examination |
VeR Psikiatri | Suspect / Defendant | Directed at suspects or defendants thought to have committed a crime, not at victims; examines the psychiatric/mental dimension rather than the physical body | Used to assess criminal responsibility (kemampuan bertanggung jawab) |
VeR for Crime Scene (TKP) | Scene | Documents findings at the scene of the crime | Environmental evidence and body position |
VeR for Exhumation (Penggalian Jenazah) | Exhumed body | Produced after the physician finishes conducting the exhumation of a body | Requires judicial order |
VeR for Physical Evidence (Barang Bukti) | Objects | Produced for evidence found and connected with a criminal act, such as blood, semen, a knife, etc. | Lab analysis results |
03Structure and Format of a VeR
The standardized format for VeR on living victims is now governed by Keputusan Kapolri No. KEP/415/III/2024, dated March 13, 2024, on the Format and Procedure for Making Visum et Repertum for Living Victims within the Indonesian National Police.
The structure of a VeR consists of five sections: Pro Justitia, Introduction (Pendahuluan), Examination Findings (Hasil Pemeriksaan / Pemberitaan), and Conclusion (Kesimpulan), plus the Closing (Penutup).
Pro Justitia
Content
Written in the upper left corner; replaces the need for a stamp duty (materai)
Exam Significance
This phrase makes the document a legal instrument. Without it, the document is just a medical certificate
Pendahuluan (Introduction)
Content
Identity of the VeR requester, date and time the request was received, identity of the examining physician, identity of the examined subject (name, sex, age, nationality, address, occupation), and when/where the examination took place
Exam Significance
Tests knowledge of what must be present for legal validity
Pemberitaan / Hasil Pemeriksaan (Findings)
Content
Objective findings: general condition, consciousness, physical exam findings, wound descriptions (location, type, shape, direction, edges, corners, base, surrounding tissue, dimensions), lab results, treatment given
Exam Significance
This section is purely factual and objective; the physician must not include opinions here
Kesimpulan (Conclusion)
Content
The physician's expert interpretation: type of violence, wound classification/degree, cause of death (in cadaver cases). The conclusion must answer the criminal offense (delik pidana)
Exam Significance
The only section where the physician offers a professional opinion. This is where wound qualification is stated
Penutup (Closing)
Content
Statement under oath: "Thus this Visum et Repertum has been explained by me truthfully and using my best knowledge, in remembrance of my oath of office in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code"
Exam Significance
The oath reinforces the evidentiary weight. Signed and sealed by the examining physician
Section | Content | Exam Significance |
|---|---|---|
Pro Justitia | Written in the upper left corner; replaces the need for a stamp duty (materai) | This phrase makes the document a legal instrument. Without it, the document is just a medical certificate |
Pendahuluan (Introduction) | Identity of the VeR requester, date and time the request was received, identity of the examining physician, identity of the examined subject (name, sex, age, nationality, address, occupation), and when/where the examination took place | Tests knowledge of what must be present for legal validity |
Pemberitaan / Hasil Pemeriksaan (Findings) | Objective findings: general condition, consciousness, physical exam findings, wound descriptions (location, type, shape, direction, edges, corners, base, surrounding tissue, dimensions), lab results, treatment given | This section is purely factual and objective; the physician must not include opinions here |
Kesimpulan (Conclusion) | The physician's expert interpretation: type of violence, wound classification/degree, cause of death (in cadaver cases). The conclusion must answer the criminal offense (delik pidana) | The only section where the physician offers a professional opinion. This is where wound qualification is stated |
Penutup (Closing) | Statement under oath: "Thus this Visum et Repertum has been explained by me truthfully and using my best knowledge, in remembrance of my oath of office in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code" | The oath reinforces the evidentiary weight. Signed and sealed by the examining physician |
04Wound Degree Classification (Kualifikasi Derajat Luka)
This is one of the most tested aspects of VeR in medical licensing examinations. The wound classification is based on Pasal 351, 352, and 90 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), categorizing injuries into three degrees: mild, moderate, and severe.
Luka Ringan (Mild) / Degree I / Golongan C
Also Known As
Light injury
Definition
Does not cause illness or disability that would prevent the victim from performing their job or profession
Corresponding KUHP Article
Pasal 352 ayat 1
Punishment for Perpetrator
Maximum 3 months imprisonment
Luka Sedang (Moderate) / Degree II / Golongan B
Also Known As
Moderate injury
Definition
Causes illness or temporarily prevents the victim from performing their job
Corresponding KUHP Article
Pasal 351 ayat 1
Punishment for Perpetrator
Maximum 2 years 8 months imprisonment
Luka Berat (Severe) / Degree III / Golongan A
Also Known As
Severe injury
Definition
Meets any one of the six criteria in Pasal 90 KUHP (see below)
Corresponding KUHP Article
Pasal 351 ayat 2 / Pasal 354
Punishment for Perpetrator
Maximum 5 years (ordinary assault causing severe injury)
Degree | Also Known As | Definition | Corresponding KUHP Article | Punishment for Perpetrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Luka Ringan (Mild) / Degree I / Golongan C | Light injury | Does not cause illness or disability that would prevent the victim from performing their job or profession | Pasal 352 ayat 1 | Maximum 3 months imprisonment |
Luka Sedang (Moderate) / Degree II / Golongan B | Moderate injury | Causes illness or temporarily prevents the victim from performing their job | Pasal 351 ayat 1 | Maximum 2 years 8 months imprisonment |
Luka Berat (Severe) / Degree III / Golongan A | Severe injury | Meets any one of the six criteria in Pasal 90 KUHP (see below) | Pasal 351 ayat 2 / Pasal 354 | Maximum 5 years (ordinary assault causing severe injury) |
Pasal 90 KUHP defines severe injury (luka berat) as any of the following six conditions:
Injury or illness that is incurable or carries a danger of death
Injury or illness that permanently prevents the victim from performing their work
Loss of one of the five senses
Severe disfigurement (cacat besar)
Impairment of cognitive function for more than 4 weeks
Death of a fetus in the mother's womb
The physician writes the wound degree in the Conclusion section using the legal language, not the numerical degree. For example, for a mild injury, the conclusion would read: "Luka-luka tersebut tidak menimbulkan penyakit atau halangan dalam menjalankan pekerjaan jabatan atau pencaharian."
An essential exam pearl: there is currently no standardized or uniform indicator for determining wound degree; the assessment is inherently subjective and relies on the physician's professional opinion. This is a known weakness in the system and a source of testable questions.
05Physician Obligations and Procedural Requirements
Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
Request must be written | VeR can only be made upon official written request (permintaan tertulis) from an authorized investigator |
Cannot be refused | Physicians who refuse face potential charges under Pasal 224 KUHP |
Cannot be revoked | Revocation of a VeR request for autopsy is in principle not permitted |
Forensic vs. non-forensic physician | Both can produce a VeR. However, the non-forensic physician's VeR is treated as circumstantial evidence, not expert testimony |
Medical treatment takes priority | Emergency treatment comes first; only when the condition permits does the medicolegal aspect get addressed |
Timing | The VeR is generally produced after treatment is complete, except for the provisional VeR (sementara); if the request letter arrives late, re-examination of the victim is needed |
Re-examination | Under Pasal 180 KUHAP, if a VeR is incomplete or insufficient to clarify the matter at trial, the judge may request additional expert testimony or submission of new evidence, including a re-examination |
06Differential Concepts and Exam Distractors
Surat Keterangan Medis (Medical Certificate)
Why It Looks Similar
Both are written by a doctor after examining a patient
Key Discriminator
A medical certificate is issued at the patient's request for personal use (e.g., sick leave). A VeR is issued only upon written request by an investigator for judicial purposes and must include "Pro Justitia"
Rekam Medis (Medical Record)
Why It Looks Similar
Both contain clinical examination findings
Key Discriminator
A medical record is an internal hospital document; it is not addressed to the court and is not made under oath. A VeR is a legal instrument directed at the justice system
VeR Sementara vs. VeR Definitif
Why It Looks Similar
Both are issued for living victims
Key Discriminator
The provisional VeR has no conclusion and is issued during ongoing treatment. The definitive VeR includes a full conclusion with wound qualification
VeR Psikiatri vs. Other VeR
Why It Looks Similar
Both are VeR documents
Key Discriminator
VeR Psikiatri examines the suspect/defendant (not the victim) and addresses mental competency for criminal responsibility, not physical injury
Keterangan Ahli in Court vs. VeR
Why It Looks Similar
Both are "expert testimony"
Key Discriminator
Keterangan ahli given orally at trial (under Pasal 186 KUHAP old) is sworn testimony in person; VeR is the written form of expert opinion. Both can function as evidence, but VeR specifically falls under documentary evidence (alat bukti surat)
Luka Sedang vs. Luka Berat
Why It Looks Similar
Both involve impairment of function
Key Discriminator
Moderate injury causes temporary inability to work. Severe injury causes permanent inability or meets one of the Pasal 90 criteria (e.g., loss of a sense organ, cognitive impairment >4 weeks)
Concept That May Be Confused | Why It Looks Similar | Key Discriminator |
|---|---|---|
Surat Keterangan Medis (Medical Certificate) | Both are written by a doctor after examining a patient | A medical certificate is issued at the patient's request for personal use (e.g., sick leave). A VeR is issued only upon written request by an investigator for judicial purposes and must include "Pro Justitia" |
Rekam Medis (Medical Record) | Both contain clinical examination findings | A medical record is an internal hospital document; it is not addressed to the court and is not made under oath. A VeR is a legal instrument directed at the justice system |
VeR Sementara vs. VeR Definitif | Both are issued for living victims | The provisional VeR has no conclusion and is issued during ongoing treatment. The definitive VeR includes a full conclusion with wound qualification |
VeR Psikiatri vs. Other VeR | Both are VeR documents | VeR Psikiatri examines the suspect/defendant (not the victim) and addresses mental competency for criminal responsibility, not physical injury |
Keterangan Ahli in Court vs. VeR | Both are "expert testimony" | Keterangan ahli given orally at trial (under Pasal 186 KUHAP old) is sworn testimony in person; VeR is the written form of expert opinion. Both can function as evidence, but VeR specifically falls under documentary evidence (alat bukti surat) |
Luka Sedang vs. Luka Berat | Both involve impairment of function | Moderate injury causes temporary inability to work. Severe injury causes permanent inability or meets one of the Pasal 90 criteria (e.g., loss of a sense organ, cognitive impairment >4 weeks) |
07Traps and High-Yield Pearls
The most common way students get VeR questions wrong is by confusing the evidentiary classification. Under the current law (UU 20/2025), VeR is categorized as documentary evidence (alat bukti surat) under Pasal 235(1) huruf c and Pasal 239 huruf c. Students often mistakenly classify it solely as expert testimony. The correct answer is that VeR functions as both: it is a document (surat) but contains expert opinion (keterangan ahli). However, for the purpose of evidentiary classification, the law places it under surat.
Another frequently tested trap is the VeR Sementara. Students must remember that this type contains no conclusion. If a vignette describes a victim still undergoing treatment and asks what type of VeR can be issued, the answer is sementara, and students should recognize that the wound degree cannot yet be formally stated.
The "Pro Justitia" header is a high-yield pearl. This phrase is what transforms a medical document into a legal instrument. Without it, the document requires a stamp duty (materai) and loses its status as a VeR. If an exam question asks what distinguishes a VeR from a medical certificate, "Pro Justitia" is the answer.
Students should also remember the cost provision: under the current KUHAP, investigation expenses including VeR are borne by the state. A question may try to distract with the idea that the victim must pay.
Regarding wound qualification, the core competency being tested is whether you can correctly map clinical findings to the three legal categories (Pasal 352, 351, and 90 KUHP). Pay close attention to the duration of functional impairment: temporary inability to work is moderate (Pasal 351), while any of the six conditions listed in Pasal 90 constitutes severe injury. The pitfall is misclassifying a wound that causes "illness" as mild; if the injury causes any disease or halts the victim's ability to work even temporarily, it is already moderate by definition.
Finally, remember that the physician has no legal authority to refuse a properly submitted VeR request. Some students confuse this with a doctor's right to refuse non-emergency treatment. These are two entirely separate legal concepts.