Chairman of Commission III Responds to Zina Death Penalty Lawsuit
- 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...
- "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.
- 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...
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DPR Member Claims Criminal Code Plaintiffs Misunderstood New Provisions
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.
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