Indonesia Criminal Code News Today

The quality of democracy has ‘deteriorated markedly’ over the course of Widodo’s presidency, capped by new laws stifling dissent and freedom of expression.

With this month’s passage of a revised criminal code, the country has taken another step back to the Suharto era.

Roundup: Indonesia reassures tourists, investors on concerns over new penal code-

The move came amid a rash of bad international press about the legal changes, particularly a provision banning sex before marriage.

A week after the Indonesian parliament passed the controversial new criminal code which criminalises sex outside of marriage, and cohabitation of unmarried couples among other things; authorities have rushed to allay the fears of tourists and foreigners visiting the country.

The revised code passed by parliament last week is likely to radically reorient the relationship between rulers and ruled.

A newly passed criminal code in Indonesia will make it illegal to criticise the government and severely curtail civil liberties. Rights activists say the new set of laws is a step back towards authoritarian rule.

The new laws also include a ban on insulting the president or state institutions and expressing views deemed to be counter to state ideology.

The passage came as protests against the new code erupted across the archipelago.

The amended criminal code makes sex outside marriage punishable by a year in jail and cohabitation by six months, but adultery charges must be based on police reports lodged by their spouse, parents or children.