January 6, 2026 | 06:57 pm
Vice Chair of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has expressed support for civil society and student efforts to challenge provisions of the Criminal Code (KUHP) before the Constitutional Court.
The Secretary General of the Gerindra Party said such actions reflect citizens’ right to review legislative products passed by the House when they feel the laws do not meet public expectations.
“Certainly, not everyone can be pleased with the existence of that law,” Dasco said on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the House complex.
He noted that the KUHP discussion in the House was lengthy, with multiple stages to ensure compliance with legislative procedures, including meaningful public participation.
Nevertheless, Dasco emphasized that citizens still have the right to file formal and material reviews of laws with the Constitutional Court.
“This country is based on the rule of law. If one is dissatisfied with the law, there are channels to address it. However, we regret the many hoaxes circulating on social media about the KUHP,” he added.
The KUHP was ratified by the House three years ago but only came into effect at the start of 2026. Since its passage, civil society groups have raised concerns over several controversial and flexible clauses in the law.
In response, civil society organizations and students from various universities have filed material reviews of multiple KUHP articles with the Constitutional Court.
On December 22, 2025, two citizens, Lina and Sandra Paramita, submitted a challenge to Article 488, which regulates embezzlement, arguing that it conflicts with the principle of legal equality.
Two days later, on December 24, 2025, 13 law students contested Article 256, which governs demonstrations, claiming it could impose undue restrictions on freedom of expression and potentially cause constitutional harm.
Other contested provisions include Article 302 on incitement to abandon religion, Article 281 on defamation of the president and vice president, Article 218 on adultery, Article 100 on the death penalty, Articles 240 and 241 on defamation of government or state institutions, and Articles 603 and 604 regulating corruption offenses.
The challenges reflect ongoing public debate over the KUHP and its impact on citizens’ rights and freedoms in Indonesia.
Dede Leni Mardianti contributed to the writing of this article.
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