The Position of Private Deed in Indonesian Civil Law Between Substantive Validity and Evidentiary Power

Authors

  • Erico Ikhwalul Rizqi Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya
  • Sulani Sulani Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya
  • Rahayu Mardikaningsih
  • Didit Darmawan Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya
  • Agung Satryo Wibowo Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya

Keywords:

private deed, authentic deed, contract validity, evidentiary power, notary

Abstract

This study analyzes the position of private deeds in the Indonesian civil law system, focusing on the fundamental distinction between substantive validity under Article 1320 of the Indonesian Civil Code and evidentiary power under Articles 1868 to 1875 of the Indonesian Civil Code. The approach employed is normative legal research, which analyzes statutory regulations, legal principles, and relevant doctrines. The findings reveal that a private deed is normatively declared valid as long as it satisfies the four requirements of a contract, namely mutual consent, capacity, a specific object, and a lawful cause. Nevertheless, this form of contract possesses a significant weakness in terms of evidentiary power because it is not accompanied by formal guarantees from a public official such as a notary. When a private deed is disputed before a court, the party submitting the document bears the burden of proving the authenticity of the signatures of the parties as well as the truthfulness of the contents of the agreement. This heavy burden of proof is fundamentally different from an authentic deed, whose formal truth is already guaranteed and thus requires no additional proof. This condition may weaken the legal position of the aggrieved party, particularly those in economically and socially vulnerable positions who lack access to additional evidentiary tools such as witnesses or graphology experts. This study recommends that members of society carefully consider the legal consequences of their choice of contract form and utilize notarial deeds for agreements of significant material value or those with potential to give rise to disputes.

References

Abdullah, M. H. A. B., Gardi, B., & Darmawan, D. (2021). Innovation in Human Resource Management to enhance Organizational Competitiveness in the Era of Globalization. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(1), 51–58.

Agustini, S., Jaya, F., & Rusdiana, S. (2024). Legality and proof of unwritten agreements from a civil law perspective. Batulis Civil Law Review, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.47268/ballrev.v5i2.2033

Amalia, T. R., & Soroinda, D. L. (2024). Cancellation of notary deed based on agreement of the parties through deed of cancellation. Al-Manhaj : Jurnal Hukum dan Pranata Sosial Islam, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.37680/almanhaj.v6i1.4197

Amaliya, L., Abas, M., & Akbar, M. G. G. (2022). Kekuatan hukum perjanjian utang piutang yang dibuat dalam bentuk akta di bawah tangan. Justisi, 7(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.36805/jjih.v7i1.2292

Aryanto, A., Darmawan, D., Saputra, R., Putra, A. R., & Irfan, M. (2023). Legal Analysis of Consumer Protection and the Legal Consequences of Default in House Sale-Purchase Agreements by Business Actors. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(2), 31-38.

Ayu, R. S., Santoso, A. P. A., & Muftiyanto, T. N. (2024). Pembuktian akta dibawah tangan untuk digunakan sebagai alat bukti di pengadilan. RIO Law Jurnal, 6(1), 172–187. https://doi.org/10.36355/rlj.v6i1.1478

Barzani, L. A., Darmawan, D., & Zulkarnain, M. A. B. (2022). The Application of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Principles in the Manufacturing Industry to Improve Operational Performance and Corporate Social Responsibility. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 1(1), 38–45.

Berliana, A., Hamza, Y. A., & Wulandari, A. S. R. (2022). Kekuatan hukum pembuktian akta di bawah tangan yang dilegalisasi oleh pejabat berwenang. Qawanin: Jurnal Ilmu Syariah, 3(2), 120–135. https://doi.org/10.56087/qawaninjih.v3i2.450

Cheryanti, G., Alfarhani, L. S., Siregar, R. A., & Putra, M. R. S. (2024). Kekuatan yuridis terhadap perjanjian hutang piutang dibawah tangan saat terjadi wanprestasi. Jurnal Jendela Pendidikan, 2(1), 436–448. https://doi.org/10.57235/jalakotek.v2i1.4588

Chivers, E., & Curran, S. (2024). Ambiguity is the last thing you need. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2410.20222

Da Silva, E. B., Darmawan, D., & Irfan, M. (2022). Understanding Social Contracts: Formal Agreements in Business Practice. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 2(1), 127–144.

Darmawan, D. (2017). The Effects of The Big Five Personality on Job Performance. Management & Accounting Research Journal, 2(1), 36–42.

Darmawan, D. (2022). Environmental Accountability through Business Ethics, Responsibility, Morals and Legal Obligations. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 1(2), 1–6.

Darmawan, D. (2023). Innovation Culture That Balances Technological Speed with the Depth of Humanistic Thought. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 4(1), 47–54.

Darmawan, D. (2023). Knowledge Management as a Source Of Competitive Advantage in Information Technology Companies. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 3(2), 44–50.

Darmawan, D. (2023). Measuring Employee Productivity in the Digital Era by Considering Human Creativity and Innovation. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 4(3), 47–53.

Darmawan, D. (2023). Social Inclusion for Older Workers in the Implementation of Digital Technology within Organizations. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 4(2), 44–51.

Darmawan, D. (2023). The Concept Of Remote Work: A Literature Review on its Impact on Work Dynamics, Psychological Well-Being, and Social Relationships Among Employees. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 3(3), 49–55.

Darmawan, D. (2024). Distribution of Six Major Factors Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness. Journal of Distribution Science, 22(4), 47-58.

Darmawan, D. (2024). From Individual Minds to Collective Decisions: The Function and Contribution of Cognitive Mapping, Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(2), 467-476.

Darmawan, D. (2024). Strategies for Enhancing Employee Knowledge fnd Engagement in Automated Routine Work. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(1), 65–71.

Darmawan, D. (2024). The Influence of Empowering Leadership Style on Enhancing Team Members’ Autonomy and Innovation Capacity. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(3), 48–55. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/232

Darmawan, D. (2024). The Role of Technology in Promoting or Hindering Gender Equality in the Workplace. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(2), 67–73.

Darmawan, D. (2024). Workforce Diversity Management Strategies for Enhancing Innovation and Team Performance. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 5(2), 53–59. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/230

Darmawan, D., & Mardikaningsih , R. (2023). The Role of Flexible Organizational Structures in Enhancing Corporate Adaptability to Environmental Dynamics. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 3(1), 44–49.

Darmawan, D., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2022). The Role of Positive Psychological Factors in Enhancing Employee Engagement and Commitment to Work Tasks. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 1(2), 37–45.

Darmawan, D., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2025, October). Supervisor's Interactional Justice, the Psychological Contract, and OCB: A Review and Proposed Reciprocal Model. In Proceeding of International Management Conference and Progressive Papers (Vol. 3, No. 1).

Darmawan, D., & Marsal, A. P. (2024). Legal Implications and Protection Certainty on Pice Work Contracts in Indonesia. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 4(2), 113-128.

Darmawan, D., da Silva, B. dos S., & da costa, S. (2025). Blockchain as an Instrument of Decentralized Social Order and Democratic Reconfiguration. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 4(1), 11–18.

Darmawan, D., Ferdiansyah, I., & Putra, A. R. (2024). Social Sanctions for Employers Who Delay Wage Payment in Employment Relations. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 4(2), 247-280.

Darmawan, D., Mardikaningsih, R., Sinambela, E. A., Arifin, S., Putra, A. R., Hariani, M., Irfan, M., Al Hakim, Y. R., & Issalillah, F. (2020). The Quality of Human Resources, Job Performance and Employee Loyalty. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24(3), 2580-2592.

Darmawan, D., Rizky, M. C., Khoirunnisah, N. B., & Nadhira, A. P. (2025). Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax Fines and Taxpayer Compliance: A Constitutional Law Review and Its Relevance to Local Revenue. MIMBAR YUSTITIA: Jurnal Hukum dan Hak Asasi Manusia, 9(2), 167-182.

Dewantoro, D. (2024). Autentikasi alat bukti elektronik dalam memperlancar pembuktian di persidangan pada era disrupsi. Jurnal Hukum Progresif, 12(2), 135–151. https://doi.org/10.14710/jhp.12.2.135-151

Dirgantara, F., Hardyansah, R., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Bankruptcy Disputes In Capital Market Investment Contracts: Legal Mechanisms, Economic Impact, And The Role Of Regulators. Al-Qisthas: Jurnal Hukum Dan Politik, 16(2), 252-261.

Djahuno, M. R. (2019). Describing the principle of balance in the implementation of the construction work contract. Estudiante Law Journal, 1(3), 650–660. https://doi.org/10.33756/eslaj.v1i3.13311

Eddine, B. A. S. & D. Darmawan. (2025). The Role of Technology in the Dynamics of Social Relations and Employee Solidarity in the Workplace, International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(1), 37–44.

Eddine, B. A. S., Darmawan, D., Mardikaningsih, R., & Sinambela, E. A. (2023). The Effect of Knowledge Management and Quality of Work Life on Employee Commitment. Journal of Human Sciences, 10(1), 87-100.

Entin, E., Halim, A. N., & Ridwan, R. (2023). Tanggung jawab notaris atas dokumen dibawah tangan yang diberi tanda (waarmerking) yang tanda tangannya dipalsukan oleh para pihak. Sentri: Jurnal Riset Ilmiah, 2(12), 4850–4860. https://doi.org/10.55681/sentri.v2i12.1889

Girinatha, D. G. W., & Renaya, N. (2023). Authentic deed of authority to sell independently in making a deed of sale and purchase. Jurnal Notariil, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.22225/jn.8.2.2023.8291

Hardyansah, R., Darmawan, D., & Negara, D. S. 2021. Analysis of Inhibiting Factors in the Filing of Civil Lawsuits by Copyright Holders. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 1(2), 223–248.

Hariani, M., Mardikaningsih, R., & Halizah, S. N. (2025). Soft Skills Training for Workers Affected by Automation Using a Technology-Based Humanistic Approach. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(1), 45–54. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/258

Husin, A. M., Subagiyo, D. T., & Sariono, J. N. (2025). The legal force of land sale and purchase receipts related land control. International Journal of Judicial Law, 4(4), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.54660/ijjl.2025.4.4.70-79

Irfansyah, M. F., Darmawan, D., & Hardyansah, R. (2024). Implementation of the principle of good faith in contract performance. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 3(2), 51–56.

Iriantoro, A. (2022). Position, tenure and responsibility of the notary in carrying out the position of notary. Protection, 1(2), 97–105. https://doi.org/10.38142/pjlel.v1i2.515

Isnaeni, M., Darmawan, D., Sutriyono, Sulistiono, D., & Octavianto, A. D. (2023). The crime of brand counterfeiting in commerce. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 3(2), 101–118.

Issalillah, F. (2025). Older Workforce Management Policies and Degenerative Disease Risks in Labor Intensive Industries. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 7(3), 53–62. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/243

Issalillah, F., & Khayru, R. K. (2025). Mental Health Policies and Programs in Building Long Term Employee Loyalty. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 7(2), 39–47. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/239

Iswari, D. A. I. D., & Rudy, D. G. (2023). Examining the legal standing of digital signatures under civil and ite laws. Policy Law Notary and Regulatory Issues (POLRI), 2(2), 142–154. https://doi.org/10.55047/polri.v2i2.603

Jasmine, T., Arpangi, A., & Setyawati, S. (2022). Responsibility of notary letter approval on under hands contract. Sultan Agung Notary Law Review, 4(1), 202–220. https://doi.org/10.30659/sanlar.4.1.202-220

Jorovlea, E., & Tudor, P. (2023). Legal research methods: Approaches, efficiency, and best legal practices. SWorld Journal, 33-05, 211–218. https://doi.org/10.30888/2663-5712.2025-33-05-038

Khayru, R. K., & Arifin, S. (2025). Corporate Efforts and Strategies in Fulfilling Responsibility for Employee Mental Health in the Era of Digital Productivity Pressure . International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 7(1), 44–52. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/235

Khusna, L., Sudjai, S., Sulani, S., Mujito, M., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2025). Juridical responsibilities and ethical implications of notaries in making deeds of sale and purchase of customary land without certificate of ownership in Indonesia. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(1), 9–14.

Lesmana, E. N., & Yustiawan, D. G. P. (2023). Civil law analysis of unwritten agreements in business activities. Policy Law Notary and Regulatory Issues (POLRI), 2(2), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.55047/polri.v2i2.568

Mardikaningsih, R. (2025). The Deconstruction of Work and HRM Reconfiguration: Flexibility and Employer Branding in the Digital Era. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(2), 10-17.

Mardikaningsih, R., & Darmawan, D. (2022). Situational Leadership Strategies to Improve Change Management and Team Performance. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(1), 247–252.

Mardikaningsih, R., & Darmawan, D. (2022). The Role of Self-Efficacy in Predicting Employee Adaptability to Technological Change in the Workplace,. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 2(3), 43–55.

Mardikaningsih, R., & Hariani, M. (2025). The Implementation of Distributive Justice in Allocating Efficiency Gains Generated by Technology. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 7(3), 45–52. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/242

Mardikaningsih, R., & Nuraini, R. (2022). Implementation of Circular Economy Principles for Sustainable Waste Management in the Industrial Sector. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 1(3), 41–47.

Mardikaningsih, R., & Wardoyo, D. T. W. (2025). Balancing Technological Efficiency And Employee Psychological Well-Being In Hybrid Work Systems. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(1), 30–36. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/246

Mardikaningsih, R., Halizah, S. N., Darmawan, D., Masithoh, N., & Nuraini, R. (2022). Examining the Role of Authentic Leadership in Shaping Positive Work Climate and Organizational Citizenship Behavior. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 2(1), 52–59.

Mardikaningsih, R., Halizah, S. N., Hariani, M., Darmawan, D., & Nuraini, R. (2025). Performance Feedback Accuracy Decline and Delay in Hybrid Work Arrangements. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 7(1), 53–62. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/236

Mardikaningsih, R., Halizah, S. N., Nuraini, R., & Darmawan, D. (2022). The Role of Ethical Leadership in Shaping a Positive and Sustainable Organizational Culture. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 2(2), 48–55.

Mardikaningsih, R., Hariani, M., Darmawan, D., Halizah, S. N., & Nuraini, R. (2024). The Impact of Digital Monitoring on Employee Work Autonomy and Professional Responsibility. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 5(3), 60–67. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/231

Mardikaningsih, R., Hariani, M., Issalillah, F., & Nuraini, R. (2024). Organizational Innovation Strategies as Drivers of Business Resilience and Competitiveness in the Global Environment. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(3), 56–65. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/233

Maulani, A., Hardyansah, R., Darmawan, D., Mendonca, C. N., & de Jesus Isaac, A. (2023). Juridical Analysis of the Validity of Electronic Contracts Made by Artificial Intelligence in Indonesian Law. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 139-144.

Nathanael, M., Djaja, B., & Sudirman, M. (2024). Legal consequences of authentic deed with false identity against notary. Journal of Law, Politic and Humanities, 4(6), 2576–2583. https://doi.org/10.38035/jlph.v4i6.838

Nugraha, B. E. C., Arifin, S., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Legal Basis for the Protection of Workers' Rights and Employment Contracts in the Startup Ecosystem of the Flexible Work Era. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 43-50.

Purnomo, A. A., Negara, D. S., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Fair and Accountable Electronic Transactions: The Urgency of Consumer Protection, the Validity of Digital Contracts, and the Optimisation of Preventive and Repressive Dispute Resolution. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 5(2), 43-64.

Puspita, B. A. A. (2024). Unwritten agreements are reviewed in civil law viewpoint. International Journal of Judicial Law, 3(4), 32–37. https://doi.org/10.54660/ijjl.2023.3.4.32-37

Putra, A. R., Arifin, S., & Darmawan , D. (2024). Gamification-Based Learning that Preserves Cooperation and Empathy Among Employees. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 5(1), 43–50. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/229

Ramadan, S., Setiawan, D., & Setiawan, R. (2023). Kekuatan hukum perjanjian sewa menyewa dihadapan notaris. Jurnal Ilmiah Birokrasi dan Administrasi Pemerintahan, 2(1), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.55606/birokrasi.v2i1.912

Rasʹko, Yu. (2022). Transformation of the principle of freedom of contract in the process of historical development. Naukovij Vìsnik Užgorodsʹkogo Nacìonalʹnogo Unìversitetu, 69, 132–137. https://doi.org/10.24144/2307-3322.2021.69.23

Rizky, M. C., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Legal aspects and implementation of an effective and fair house lease agreement. Jurnal Hukum Lex Generalis, 5(10).

Safitri, I. (2025). Sistem hukum campuran: Pengaruh civil law dan common law dalam sistem hukum Indonesia. Jurnal Transparansi Hukum, 8(2), 115–123. https://doi.org/10.30737/transparansi.v8i2.6753

Saputra, D. E., Darmawan, D., & Negara, D. S. (2024). Directors’ and Commissioners’ Liability in Corporate Insolvency: A Comparative Jurisprudential Study. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 5(3), 29-38.

Sediana, A., R. Saputra, & R. Hardyansah. (2025). Eradication of Digital-Based Gambling: Dynamics of Law Enforcement in Indonesia, International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(1), 55–63.

Sediana, A., Saputra, R., Hardyansah, R., Darmawan, D., & Khayru, R. K. (2025). Eradication of Digital-Based Gambling: Dynamics of Law Enforcement In Indonesia. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(1), 55–63. https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/259

Setiawan, A. M., & Suryawati, N. (2024). Keabsahan pemenuhan suatu perjanjian yang tidak memiliki alas hukum yang sah. Wajah Hukum, 8(2), 515–522. https://doi.org/10.33087/wjh.v8i2.1439

Setyastomo, D., Mardikaningsih, R., & Sulani, S. (2024). Legal Implications of Beneficial Ownership Disclosure in Closed Companies on Strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering System in Indonesia. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 67-74.

Shofianingrum, R., & Sudirman, M. (2024). Implikasi hukum akta jual beli yang tidak ditandatangani di hadapan Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah Sementara. Jurnal USM Law Review, 7(3), 1120–1135. https://doi.org/10.26623/julr.v7i3.10975

Sugiastuti, N. Y., & Purnamasari, D. I. (2023). Improvement of substantive provisions of the validity of agreement in the indonesian civil code. Diponegoro Law Review, 8(1), 124–140. https://doi.org/10.14710/dilrev.8.1.2023.124-140

Sulani, S., Darmawan, D., Suwito, S., Mardikaningsih, R., & Gautama, E. C. (2025). Private Sales Deeds In Land Disputes: Weaknesses In Evidence And Registration Obstacles. Bureaucracy Journal: Indonesia Journal Of Law And Social-Political Governance, 5(3), 4194-4218.

Suwito, S., Sulani, S., Khayru, R. K., Putra, A. R., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Due Diligence And Risk Mitigation For Winners Of Collateral Land Auctions. Bureaucracy Journal: Indonesia Journal Of Law And Social-Political Governance, 5(3), 4104-4122.

Terubus, T., Khayru, R. K., Hambodo, T., Sudjai, S., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Effectiveness of The Job Creation Law to Guarantee Contract Workers' Rights. Legalis et Socialis Studiis (L355), 2(3), 9-17.

Umami, A. M., & Satriawan, H. A. (2024). Tuntutan pidana dalam penyelesaian sengketa perjanjian di indonesia. Ganec Swara, 18(2), 790–796. https://doi.org/10.35327/gara.v18i2.860

Downloads

Published

2025-10-28

How to Cite

Rizqi, E. I., Sulani, S., Mardikaningsih, R., Darmawan, D., & Wibowo, A. S. (2025). The Position of Private Deed in Indonesian Civil Law Between Substantive Validity and Evidentiary Power. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(2), 35–43. Retrieved from https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/262

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology (October)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Erico Ikhwalul Rizqi, Sulani Sulani, Rahayu Mardikaningsih, Didit Darmawan, Agung Satryo Wibowo

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >>