What's happened
Indonesia has implemented a new 345-page criminal law, replacing colonial-era laws. It criminalizes sex outside marriage, insults against the state, and broad defamation, raising concerns over civil liberties and free speech. The law came into force after a three-year transition period, amid international and domestic criticism.
What's behind the headline?
The Indonesian Penal Code's broad scope signals a shift towards a more conservative legal framework, but it risks undermining civil liberties. The criminalization of sex outside marriage, punishable only if reported by a close relative, may deter tourism and infringe on personal privacy. The criminalization of insults and defamation, including 'attacking honour or dignity,' could suppress dissent and activism. While officials claim safeguards exist, the expansive language leaves room for arbitrary enforcement. This law exemplifies Indonesia's balancing act between modernizing its legal system and maintaining social control, with potential long-term implications for civil rights and international reputation.
What the papers say
AP News reports that the law was passed in 2022 and came into force after a transition period, highlighting concerns from activists about its broad definitions and potential impact on free speech. Reuters emphasizes the law's colonial origins and the government's acknowledgment of risks of abuse, noting that the law criminalizes sex outside marriage only if reported by a close relative, easing tourism concerns. Both sources agree that the law reflects Indonesia's attempt to modernize but raises significant civil liberties issues, with critics warning of potential misuse by authorities. The law's broad scope and the government's assurances of safeguards suggest a complex legal and political landscape, with ongoing debates about its implications for democracy and human rights.
How we got here
The new Indonesian Penal Code, passed in 2022, replaces laws from Dutch colonial rule. It aims to modernize the legal system but has faced criticism for broad definitions that could threaten civil liberties. The law criminalizes sex outside marriage, insults to the president, and dissemination of ideologies opposed to the state. It reflects Indonesia's effort to align its laws with current social and cultural norms, but concerns remain about potential abuses and impact on free speech.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What are the implications of Indonesia's new controversial penal code?
Indonesia's recent enactment of a new criminal law has sparked widespread debate. The law, which replaces colonial-era legislation, introduces strict regulations on personal behavior and speech, raising concerns about civil liberties and free expression. Many are asking what this means for Indonesia's democracy and human rights. Below, we explore key questions about the law's contents, its impact, and international reactions.
-
How are world leaders responding to recent major news stories?
Recent global events have sparked reactions from leaders around the world, from North Korea's succession plans to international responses to tragedies and legal reforms. Curious about what world leaders are saying and doing? Below, we explore their responses to key news stories, providing clear insights into the international stance on these developments.
-
What are the biggest safety and human rights concerns today?
Recent events around the world highlight ongoing issues related to safety and human rights. From controversial laws to tragic accidents, these stories raise important questions about civil liberties, government accountability, and public safety. Below, we explore some of the most pressing concerns and what they mean for global human rights today.
More on these topics
-
Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, is an Indonesian politician who is the 7th and current president of Indonesia. Elected in July 2014 as the first president not to come from an elite political or military background, he was previously the Mayor of Suraka
-
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i