JAKARTA: Indonesia’s new criminal code, which will make crimes of premarital sex and insulting the state when it takes effect on Jan 2, will need public oversight to help prevent abuse of the law, a government minister told Reuters.
The 345-page code was passed in 2022 and replaces a set of laws established during Dutch colonial rule. Its broad definitions drew condemnation from democracy activists concerned it might harm civil liberties and free speech, and put government critics at risk of arrest.
Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas said the overhaul of the law was timely, but acknowledged there was a risk of the new powers being abused by authorities.