The crime of theft committed by minors is a significant issue within the juvenile
criminal justice system. This study aims to analyze the judicial considerations in
the decision of the Wamena District Court No. 04/Pid.Sus-Anak/2018 regarding a
child defendant. The research uses a qualitative method with a normative juridical
approach and is descriptive-analytical in nature. Data were obtained from primary
and secondary legal materials, including Law No. 11 of 2012 on the Juvenile
Criminal Justice System and the Indonesian Penal Code. The results indicate that,
procedurally, the judge adhered to legal provisions such as diversion efforts and
the presence of a guardian during trial. However, substantively, the decision failed
to fully apply the principles of ultimum remedium and restorative justice, as
imprisonment was imposed without adequate justification for rejecting alternative
sanctions. Sentencing should consider the rehabilitative potential, background, and
best interests of the child to ensure maximum legal protection.