UTILIZING INSECTS TO SOLVE CRIMINAL CASES: A REVIEW

This article presents a comprehensive review of forensic insect species found in Indonesia, focusing on their habitats and their crucial roles in criminal investigations. Employing a literature review method and descriptive-qualitative analysis, the researchers discovered that environmental factors could accelerate cadaver decomposition and shorten the life cycle of forensic insects. Specifically, fly species from the family Chrysomya megacephala were identified as the primary colonizers of remains. However, this study also highlights the limitations of existing research in Indonesia, particularly concerning insect succession patterns (the order in which insects arrive on a cadaver) and Post Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation (the approximate time of death). Furthermore, the application of molecular approaches for insect identification remains very limited. These findings underscore an urgent need for further development in the field of forensic entomology in Indonesia. Enhancing research facilities, training skilled human resources, and creating local species databases are essential steps to maximize the potential of insects in assisting legal proceedings