Indonesia Introduces Article on Cohabitation in New Criminal Code to Foreign Press

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Law and Human Rights Deputy Minister Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej stated that the ministry along with the Foreign Affairs Ministry has introduced the country’s new criminal code to the foreign press, especially related to the article on cohabitation.

As previously reported, many foreign media highlighted Indonesia’s revised penal code after the government ratified the bill into law on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

“The questions are still about cohabitation. We have explained that and tomorrow (Dec. 14), there will be a meeting with the Presidential Chief of Staff,” Deputy Minister Edward or Eddy as he familiarly called told reporters at the Parliament building on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

In his statement, the Presidential Chief of Staff planned to invite Eddy, ministries, and a number of institutions to introduce the new penal code. It was hoped that the agenda can correct misinterpretations of controversial articles and will be a response to the skeptical attitude of the public toward law enforcement officials.

“To ensure that there are no multiple interpretations of the articles in the Criminal Code, including articles that will be of concern to the public,” Eddy added.

He also mentioned the article on insulting government institutions which met with public criticism as it is seen as undermining democratic values. He clarified that the article is delik aduan, or complaint offenses, and that only the chairman of an agency could file such a report.

The Law and Human Rights Deputy Minister went on to say that this could be an opportunity for the public to assess whether or not the government is anti-criticism.

ALFITRIA NEFI PRATIWI

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