January 2, 2026 | 09:42 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, views the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and Penal Code (KUHP) as flawed laws. Both took effect on January 2, 2026. Usman argues their creation lacked transparency and included anti-constitutional elements.
"For example, the new Penal Code loosens the criminalization of citizens who criticize officials, such as the president or state institutions," Usman said during a virtual press conference on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Usman believes these laws give law enforcement more power without enough supervision. He views the two laws as political tools used by the government to silence criticism from civil society.
The revised Criminal Procedure Code was passed in a plenary session on November 18, 2025. Several groups, including a civil society coalition, opposed it. The coalition argues the new law fails to reform the Indonesian National Police because it strengthens police power without adding a strong control system.
The approved law is seen as a move to strengthen a monopoly on power and expand police discretion. As a result, critics believe the legislation will allow the abuse of power to continue.
The coalition warns that without better regulations, law enforcement may drift away from legal norms. The government must now explain the new Criminal Procedure Code and its dozens of rules to the public within only a few weeks.
In comparison, the new Penal Code had a three-year period to be introduced after its 2023 enactment. However, almost three years later, the government has still not finished the rules needed to implement it.
Read: 2025 Is "Human Rights Catastrophe" for Indonesia, Says Amnesty International
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