Amnesty: New KUHP and KUHAP Threaten Human Rights
The new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), set to be introduced in Indonesia from January 2026, have faced criticism from Amnesty International. The organization asserts that these laws pose serious threats to human rights protection and may lead to increased abuse of power in the country. Usman Hamid, the director of Amnesty International Indonesia, stated that the new legislation does not adequately protect citizens and their rights, increasing the likelihood of injustice.
These claims were made at a press conference titled ‘Indonesia: Legal Emergency,’ organized by the Civil Society Coalition. Hamid stressed that the introduction of the new codes would mean an expansion of law enforcement powers with insufficient oversight. He also expressed concern about the broadening of criminal liability for critical statements towards the government and officials, which he believes will have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and the right to protest.
Notably, another active critic of the new legislation is Madina Rahmawati, Deputy Director of the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. She emphasized the lack of transparency in the process of adopting the new codes and suggested that the President consider a temporary delay in their implementation.
Overall, critics of the new legislation underscore the threat to the democratic rights and freedoms of Indonesians, believing that they may become a tool for suppressing dissent and violating the right to a fair trial.
