Providing false testimony by a witness in a criminal trial is an act that undermines
the integrity and fairness of the justice system. Such actions not only hinder law
enforcement efforts but can also lead to wrongful convictions. This study aims to
analyze the application of criminal sanctions against witnesses who give false
statements in criminal cases, as regulated in Article 242 of the Indonesian Penal
Code (KUHP), and to examine the obstacles faced by law enforcement officials in
prosecuting such offenses. This research employs a normative juridical method with
a statutory and case study approach. The findings indicate that although sanctions
for false testimony are clearly regulated in the Penal Code, their enforcement in
practice still encounters various challenges, including difficulties in proving intent
and the lack of reports regarding such violations. Therefore, there is a need to
strengthen the evidentiary mechanism and improve legal awareness among
witnesses in the criminal justice system