US Ambassador Says New Criminal Code May Affect Investment Climate

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States (US) Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Y. Kim stated concern about the ratification of the revised criminal code. He opined that the new law, especially regarding the private sector, could have an impact on the investment climate in Indonesia.

Kim is concerned that the law could affect the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedom in Indonesia. He also said the policy might have an effect on the business sector as investors will make sure that the law can protect freedoms and other important values.

“I think it will make US companies and other companies’ deliberation more complicated. There will be determining factors in their decision-making before proceeding to invest in Indonesia,” said Kim at a press conference at the United States Embassy in Jakarta, Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

The House of Representatives (DPR) and the government officially passed the revised criminal code in the plenary meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. The new law will take effect in the next three years.

A number of elements are concerned about several articles, particularly regarding the insult to the president and adult’s privacy such as cohabitation or sex outside marriage.

Kim said that his side is still studying and assessing the law which has not yet been implemented and is open to dialogue with other Indonesian authorities and stakeholders.

“I continue to believe that there is tremendous potential for the US and Indonesia’s trade and investment relationship to grow. Our concerns about the criminal code have not changed my thinking on that,” said Kim.

Previously on Tuesday, December 6, the Acting Director General of Legislation at the Law and Human Rights Ministry, Dhahana Putra, rebutted issues that the new criminal code repel foreign investors and tourists from Indonesia.

DANIEL AHMAD

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