House of Representatives, Listen to Your Constituents

The draft criminal code bill (RKUHP) is under fire yet again. The RKUHP has been deemed a threat to freedom of the press.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The RKUHP National Alliance held a demonstration at Jalan Karet Pasar Baru Timur 5, Jakarta, rejecting the planned ratification of the Draft Criminal Code (RKUHP), Tuesday (23/8/2022).

Criticisms of the RKUHP were conveyed by former Supreme Court chief justice (2010-2013) and former Press Council chairman (2013-2016) Bagir Manan. Many articles of the RKUHP have also been criticized by the public. In addition to state intervention in private affairs, the RKUHP may also potentially target and obstruct civil liberties and freedom of expression.

According to Bagir, articles that could ensnare the press include defamation, insulting the head of state and public power and contempt of court.