New Criminal and Procedural Codes: Civil Coalition Declares Legal Crisis in Indonesia
As 2026 began, Indonesia found itself at a crossroads of legal complexity with the introduction of a new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). These codes have sparked heated debates among human rights advocates and civil organizations. A coalition composed of influential NGOs such as YLBHI, Kontras, and Amnesty International Indonesia has voiced substantial concerns regarding the impact of these new laws on democracy and human rights…
The coalition believes that these new laws may lead to abuses of power by authorities and undermine the already fragile justice system. The organizations involved in the coalition emphasize that these changes weaken the rule of law by reducing judicial oversight and expanding police powers. This is particularly worrying in a nation where corruption levels in law enforcement are high…
Critics of these measures point out that in an environment of weak governance and growing authoritarian tendencies, the legislative changes create conditions that reduce human rights protection, limiting opportunities for public opinion and protests…
Thus, the introduction of these codes threatens Indonesia’s democratic fabric, and the coalition calls for a review of these laws to address the identified problems and strengthen human rights protections.
