Indonesia’s New Criminal Code: A Threat to Civic Space and Rights
The new Criminal Code in Indonesia introduces severe restrictions on civil liberties, criminalizes government criticism, and undermines civic space. The code’s articles reflect authoritarian leanings and political motivations aimed at consolidating power before the 2024 elections, while civil society struggles to oppose these changes. International support is vital for promoting human rights and protecting civic engagement in Indonesia.
CIVICUS engages with Fatia Maulidiyanti, the Executive Coordinator of KontraS, to discuss the implications of Indonesia’s newly passed Criminal Code. Established in 1998, KontraS is a prominent civil society organization focused on investigating enforced disappearances and human rights violations. The new Criminal Code introduces troubling changes, including articles that criminalize defamation against government officials, effectively stifling dissent and legitimate criticism. The policing and judicial environment in Indonesia, marked by corruption and low standards, further exacerbates these issues, posing significant challenges for civil society movements. Moreover, the requirement for permits to hold demonstrations creates additional barriers to civic engagement. Political motivations underpin the code’s revisions, as obscure alliances in the government and parliament compromise civil rights in favor of maintaining power ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The criminalization of certain private behaviors reflects an alignment with conservative religious values, particularly targeting LGBTQI+ rights, amid efforts to garner support from Islamic fundamentalist groups. Despite the efforts of civil society organizations to voice their concerns during the legislative process, they faced dismissal from the government, marked by a series of campaigns and protests since 2019 that have gone largely unrecognized. Fatia Maulidiyanti emphasizes the necessity for international support, calling for a strong response from foreign governments and international civil society organizations to pressure the Indonesian government to reconsider its stance on civic space. The situation is dire, with the CIVICUS Monitor rating Indonesia’s civic space as ‘obstructed.’ Through collaborative efforts, civil society hopes to hold the government accountable and protect fundamental freedoms.
The new Criminal Code in Indonesia has raised alarm among civil society organizations and human rights advocates due to its potential to suppress dissent and limit civic engagement. Articles within the code, such as those criminalizing defamation against government officials, reflect a regression to authoritarian practices reminiscent of Indonesia’s past under the Suharto regime. Furthermore, the judiciary’s weaknesses and systemic corruption complicate the landscape for civil society, stifling their ability to operate effectively. The government’s motivations for these changes appear to be politically driven, aligning with a desire to preserve power ahead of critical elections, while also catering to conservative societal factions.
In summary, the revised Criminal Code poses significant threats to civil liberties and civic engagement in Indonesia. It seeks to criminalize dissent and restrict the ability of civil society to operate freely under the guise of protecting governmental authority. The international community plays a crucial role in advocating for the protection of civic space, which is increasingly under threat. Strong collaborative pressure from external allies could influence the Indonesian government to amend its course and uphold fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Original Source: www.civicus.org
