Story perspectives

Indonesia Enforces Controversial Penal Code, Sparks Civil Liberties Concerns

1/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Indonesia has begun enforcing its new penal code, replacing colonial-era laws that lasted over 80 years.
The 345-page code, passed in 2022, criminalizes sex outside marriage and reintroduces penalties for insulting state leaders.
Rights groups warn that blasphemy expansions, the death penalty, and a probationary period for death row inmates threaten civil liberties.
Legal experts describe the code as moving toward modern sentencing that emphasizes rehabilitation over retribution.

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Story summary

Indonesia has begun enforcing its new penal code, replacing colonial-era laws that lasted over 80 years.
The 345-page code, passed in 2022, criminalizes sex outside marriage and reintroduces penalties for insulting state leaders.
Rights groups warn that blasphemy expansions, the death penalty, and a probationary period for death row inmates threaten civil liberties.
Legal experts describe the code as moving toward modern sentencing that emphasizes rehabilitation over retribution.