New Criminal Code Implemented
Indonesia’s controversial new criminal code has finally been implemented after a multi-year overhaul. Its now completely Indonesian, gone is the Dutch colonial era code. Passed in 2023 the new criminal code became law January 1, 2026.
Civil groups have warned the newly effective Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Law Procedures Code (KUHAP) can undermine civil liberties and risk pushing the country toward an authoritarian state amid growing reports of intimidation targeting government critics. Unsettling to many civil society groups are provisions in the code that criminalizes insults of Indonesia’s leaders and government institutions which may result in prison terms of up to four years, if such messages were spread online and trigger public disorder. During an AICC event in Law Minister Yasona Laoly minimized these critiques since they classified complaint-based, which can only proceed if the offended party lodges a legal motion. But critics warned they remain open to be misused by sitting presidents or government officials to criminalize legitimate criticism of government policies.
Cybersecurity Ranking Drops
Experts have called for a change in thinking among business leaders and regulators after Indonesia plummeted from position 48 to 84 in a global ranking of countries for cybersecurity. Indonesia’s score in the National Cybersecurity Index (NCSI) published by the Estonia-based e-Governance Academy (eGA), experienced a significant decline. In 2023, Southeast Asia’s largest economy scored 63.64 points, ranking 48th globally. In 2025, however, its position plummeted to 84th out of 136 countries assessed, with a score of just 47.50 points. The nation now trails regional peers Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines in the index, which measures a country’s preparedness to prevent cyber threats and manage incidents. Firlie Ganinduto, chairman of the Indonesian Digitalization and Cybersecurity Association (ADIGSIi), said security awareness at the top management level remained low in Indonesia. “Cybersecurity is often viewed merely as a cost and a technical issue, even though investment decisions and priorities rest with executives,” he said, as quoted by Bisnis on Thursday. (The Jakarta Post)