Indonesia's new criminal code sparks concerns over civil rights, free speech

Broad definitions of laws draw criticism; fears that govt critics at risk of arrest

- Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja Indonesia Correspondent

Activists protesting outside the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta in 2022, as a new criminal code was set to be passed. After a three-year transition, the code has now come into force, making crimes of sex outside marriage and insulting the country's leaders and state institutions, among other things. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS)

The Indonesian government on Jan 5 defended a controversial, newly enacted criminal code which, among other provisions, could impose a six-month jail term on anyone organising a parade, rally, or demonstration on public streets without police notification.

This provision converts an administrative violation into a criminal offence.

At a media briefing on Jan 5, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights stressed that prison sentences would be meted out only for activities that result in “the disruption of public interest”.

The police must be notified of any planned street protest, Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Edward Hiariej told reporters at the ministry's office in Jakarta. “It does not amount to us requiring permission. We don’t ban (expressions of opinion).”

Mr Edward said: “A notification is a must, so police can plan and redirect traffic, ensuring everyone else’s traffic rights are protected.”

He added that the newly ratified penal code stipulating six months in jail, in the event of a guilty verdict, would be implemented if protesters do not notify the police beforehand and their actions disturb the peace or disrupt public interest.