LEGAL STUDY OF FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NATURAL DISASTER VICTIMS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF LEGAL UTILITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33603/hermeneutika.v10i1.11317Keywords:
forensic odontology, victim identification, DVI, legal utility, odontogramAbstract
Identification of disaster victims is a crucial part of post-disaster management to ensure the rights of victims and their families to identity certainty are fulfilled. As a disaster-prone country, Indonesia requires an effective identification system that meets international standards. Forensic odontology is one of the primary identification methods recognized by Interpol due to its high level of reliability, especially when the victim's body has suffered extreme damage such as burning, decomposition, or cannot be visually identified. However, several disaster cases in Indonesia demonstrate that the use of forensic odontology is suboptimal and inadequately documented.
This study aims to analyze the regulatory aspects governing the role of forensic odontology in disaster victim identification and evaluate its legal benefits. Furthermore, this study examines legal norms related to the preparation and use of universal odontograms as an important instrument in the dental-based identification process. The research method uses a doctrinal legal approach with a legal positivism paradigm and is analyzed using Jeremy Bentham's utilitarian theory to assess the extent to which legal benefits can be realized through the application of forensic odontology.
The study results indicate that Indonesia has a strong legal basis for mandatory victim identification, but its implementation is hampered by limited expert resources, minimal awareness among law enforcement officials, and the absence of a uniform national odontogram system. In conclusion, the legal benefits of forensic odontology in disaster victim identification have not been optimally achieved, necessitating regulatory reform, increased institutional capacity, and strengthening of the national dental medical records system.
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