Analysis of Breach of Contract in Verbal Agreements Based on the Principle of Actori Incumbit Probatio
(Case Study of Decision Number 1065 K/Pdt/2017)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25139/lex.v10i1.11497Keywords:
Verbal Agreement, Verbal Contract, Breach of Contract, EvidenceAbstract
Verbal agreements, although valid according to Article 1320 of the Civil Code, are very vulnerable to proof due to the absence of written documents. Thus, in the event of default, the aggrieved party will find it difficult to prove their rights in court. This study aims to determine how the law protects the aggrieved party in cases of verbal agreements. The research method uses a normative juridical approach with a case study (case approach) and statute analysis (statute approach), specifically examining Supreme Court Decision 1065 K/Pdt/2017, the Civil Code, and secondary legal materials from relevant journals and literature. The research questions are: (1) How certain is the law regarding breach of contract claims in verbal agreements? and (2) How powerful and effective is the combination of evidence in resolving the conflict between the formal legal ownership in the name of the defendant and the substantial ownership of the plaintiff as the payer? The results of the study show that a combination of layered evidence (testimony, possession of original documents, and proof of payment) is a very effective mechanism for proving breach of contract in oral agreements, overcoming the conflict between formal and substantive ownership. The plaintiff won the case not only because they had individual pieces of evidence, but because they had a measured and systematic evidence strategy that created a complete and convincing legal narrative. The consistency of the verdicts at all three levels of court (District Court, High Court, Supreme Court) validates that the principle of “substance over form” was applied to achieve substantive justice, providing legal protection to the substantial owner even without formal legal ownership.
References
BOOK
Harahap, M Yahya, Segi-segi Hukum Perjanjian (Bandung: Alumni, 1982).
Muhaimin, Metode Penelitian Hukum (Mataram: Mataram University Press, 2020).
Peter Mahmud Marzuki, Penelitian Hukum, 13th ed (Jakarta: Kencana, 2017).
JOURNAL
Adati, Medika Andarika, Marnan A T Mokorimban & Laurens L S Hermanus, “Wanprestasi Dalam Perjanjian Yang Dapat Di Pidana Menurut Pasal 378 Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana” (2018) VI:4 Lex Priv 5–15.
Amanda Bestarini, Priscilia & Martika Dini Syaputri, “Kepastian Hukum Terhadap Gugatan Wanprestasi dalam Perjanjian Lisan” (2024) VIII:2 the Juris 534–541.
Azizi, Faizah Al, “Ratio Decidendi Hakim Terhadap Wanprestasi Dalam Perjanjian Sewa Menyewa Secara Lisan” (2023) 7:2 J Islam Bus Law 1–15.
Dwi Aryanti Ramadhani, “Wanprestasi dan Akibat Hukumnya” (2021) 23:3 Bina Widya 38.
Feriansyah, Noval, “KEDUDUKAN HUKUM DAN PEMBUKTIAN PERIKATAN LISAN” (2023) 2:Perikatan Lisan J Multidisiplin Indones 2.
Filosofis, Kajian et al, “Analisis Yuridis Terhadap Pelaksanaan Perjanjian Pembangunan Rumah Secara Lisan” (2025) 7:3 Unes Law Rev 2.
Ilmanudin, Fauzan Fahmi, “Tingkat kesadaran hukum masyarakat atas kepemilikan tanah” (2023) 1:1 LEX ORDO J Huk dan Kebijak 1–7.
Jordi, Mario Jon, “PENGATURAN DAN TANTANGAN PENERAPAN DOKTRIN SUBSTANCE OVER FORM SEBAGAI GENERAL ANTI-AVOIDANCE RULE DALAM PENCEGAHAN PRAKTIK PENGHINDARAN PAJAK DI INDONESIA Departemen Hukum Pajak, Fakultas Hukum, Universitas Gadjah Mada Keywords : tax avoidance, substa” (2023) J Law Tax 125–176.
Kelanit, Antonia Junianti Hendrieta, “Kekuatan Hukum Perjanjian Lisan Apabila Terjadi Wanprestasi (Studi Putusan Nomor 1176/Pdt.G/2020/Pn Sby)” (2022) 2:3 Bur J Indones J Law Soc Gov 766–776.
Marsuseno, Chindy, Anggrita Esthi & Karim, “ANALISA KEKUATAN HUKUM PERJANJIAN SECARA LISAN SAAT TERJADIWANPRESTASI (STUDI KASUS PUTUSAN PENGADILAN NOMOR 16/pdt.G/2011/PN.BJN)” (2020) 2:3 J Judic 39.
Patricia Caroline Tiodor, Murendah Tjahyani & Asmaniar, “Pembuktian Wanprestasi Perjanjian Utang Piutang Secara Lisan” (2023) 5 J Krisna Law 32.
Rahman, Arief et al, “Sosialisasi Pentingnya Legalitas Formal Dalam Kepemilikan Tanah Di Desa Senteluk Kecamatan Batu Layar Kabupaten Lombok Barat” (2021) 8:1 Abdi Insa 4.
Wauran, Regina Veronika, R Said Aneke & Butje Tampi, “Kepastian Hukum Perjanjian Secara Lisan Menurut KUHPerdata Pasal 1338” (2020) VIII:4 Lex Priv 88.
Wijara Yasa, I Made Rai & Ida Ayu Sadnyini, “Substance Over Form vs Authentic Deed: Liability and Legal Certainty for VAT Transfer of Land” (2025) 10:2 J Ius Const 252–264.
Yuaga, Nugraha Endi, Ery Agus Priyono & Suradi Suradi, “TINJAUAN YURIDIS TERHADAP WANPRESTASI PADA PERJANJIAN LISAN (STUDI PUTUSAN PENGADILAN NEGERI REMBANG NOMOR 4/Pdt.G/2020/PN.Rbg)” (2023) 12:2 Diponegoro Law J.
WEBSITE
Alugoro, Nenggala, “APAKAH PERSETUJUAN DAN PERJANJIAN ADALAH HAL YANG SAMA?”, (2021), online: <https://nenggalaalugoro.org/2021/10/31/apakah-persetujuan-dan-perjanjian-adalah-hal-yang-sama/>.
Firdaus, Iman, “Mahfud MD Soroti Penegakan Hukum di Indonesia: Vonis Bisa Dibeli, Pasal Bisa Dipesan”, (2023), online: <https://www.kompas.tv/nasional/465511/mahfud-md-soroti-penegakan-hukum-di-indonesia-vonis-bisa-dibeli-pasal-bisa-dipesan>.
