Published Paper Details:

his study examines the influence of public opinion on criminal law enforcement in Indonesia, with a focus on the significant case of Vina Dewi Arsita and her boyfriend Muhammad Rizky Rudiana, who were found dead under mysterious circumstances in 2016. Public opinion, manifested through social media discussions, mass media coverage, and demonstrations, plays a crucial role in law enforcement by either supporting or pressuring legal authorities. The concept of deponering, where a criminal case is set aside for public interest, illustrates how societal pressure can lead to the termination of investigations. The resurgence of the Vina murder case, due to public demand and the film "Vina: Sebelum 7 Hari," highlights Society 5.0's role in leveraging technology for social movements, termed as Soft People Power. This paper aims to identify forms of public opinion, analyze influencing factors, and study the impact of public opinion on law enforcement, particularly through criminological and sociological lenses such as Strain and Conflict theories. By understanding these dynamics, this research seeks to propose strategies to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative consequences of public opinion on law enforcement.