Jakarta – Habiburokhman, ‍chairman of⁣ commission III of the Indonesian House of ⁢Representatives (DPR RI), responded to⁤ a lawsuit challenging the recently ⁣revised ⁣Criminal Code (Criminal Code), stating that some plaintiffs⁢ demonstrated a lack of ⁢extensive understanding of‍ the new legislation.He⁣ made these remarks to reporters on Monday, January 5, 2026.

“We saw that some of the plaintiffs did ​not fully understand the new Criminal Code, onyl reading ‍certain articles,” Habiburokhman stated, according ⁢to reporting by DetikNews.

Adultery Clause Remains a Complaint Offense

Habiburokhman specifically addressed ​concerns regarding the article on ⁤adultery, asserting that the new Criminal Code’s regulations are largely consistent with⁣ previous laws.He ⁤emphasized that adultery will continue⁣ to be treated as a complaint offense, meaning prosecution requires a formal complaint from the aggrieved party.

This clarification‌ is significant given the ⁤debate ‍surrounding the re-criminalization of‍ extramarital ⁤sex,⁣ which had been decriminalized in‍ Indonesia since⁢ 1984. ⁤the new Criminal Code​ requires a report from the spouse to initiate legal proceedings. Reuters reported that this provision has drawn criticism from human rights groups who argue it might very well be⁢ used to target marginalized communities.

Background: The Revised ‌Criminal Code

The Indonesian ⁢Criminal Code⁢ (Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana or KUHP) was originally inherited from the Dutch colonial era and last substantially ⁣updated in 1947.The ‌revisions, ⁣passed in December ​2022, represent a major overhaul of the legal system. Human Rights Watch has raised serious concerns about⁤ several provisions,⁤ including those related to freedom of expression, ‌blasphemy, ⁤and abortion.

Key changes include:

• Adultery: Re-criminalized as a complaint offense.
• Insulting the President: Remains‌ a criminal offense,raising concerns about freedom of speech.
• Blasphemy: ​ Retained, potentially⁢ used to suppress​ religious minorities.
• Abortion: ⁢ Restrictions tightened, with ​limited ‌exceptions.