Appreciate the Ratification of the New Criminal Code, UI Professor: Democratic Representation of Indigenous Peoples

Jakarta — Highly appreciating the ratification of the new national Criminal Code, Professor of UI considers that it is full of democratic values and is also able to represent indigenous peoples.

Professor of the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia, Prof. Indriyanto Seno Adji explained that the ratification of the new National Criminal Code by the Indonesian Parliament some time ago contained many positive values.

The reason is that starting from the process of discussing the Criminal Code, all of them have considered and accommodated many inputs from the public, legal practitioners to academics.

Also not left behind, the representation of indigenous peoples was also included.

“I consider the new national Criminal Code to be very progressive, moderate, neutral and democratic by considering and accommodating input from civil society, legal practitioners and academics. Even the representation of indigenous peoples as a meaningful form public participation according to the mandate of the law,” said Indriyanto.

Firmly, he gave a very high appreciation for the ratification of the new Criminal Code because it was a historic moment for the existence of a national Criminal Code regulation.

Explaining the Adultery Article , which continues to be widely highlighted, the UI professor explained that this article is regulated as an absolute complaint offense.

The point is, only certain people such as husbands and/or wives or their children and not haphazardly in general can make these complaints, so that it becomes a form of control to prevent further persecution which actually violates the law.

So, in fact, the ratification of the new Criminal Code will not have any effect on tourists who come to travel to Indonesia, because not just anyone can be prosecuted immediately .

“Therefore, a vague understanding of the Criminal Code regarding its negative impact on tourists and investment is inappropriate. The Criminal Code guarantees that there will be no prosecution for this concern. The national Criminal Code guarantees that there will be no fear of negative impacts on tourists and investment in Indonesia,” explained Indriyanto.

So far, according to him, several parties have objected to the ratification of the new Criminal Code due to the fact that their understanding is still not deep, complete and detailed enough.

Furthermore, he stated that Indonesia continues to recognize the existence of principles as well as customary law, all of which are recognized and accepted as national criminal law.

“Indonesia recognizes the existence of (criminal) principles of customary (criminal) law which are recognized and accepted by the national criminal law,” said the UI Professor.

On the other hand, the Government of Indonesia itself has carried out a series of outreach activities to the people of the country, even since 3 years ago.

So far, socialization is said to have been held in 12 provincial cities, then after the recent ratification of the new Criminal Code, the Government will also be aggressively conducting socialization again within 3 more years because adjustments will be made until 2025.

“The three year period is very sufficient for socialization and public discussion. It is better if this is used and scrutinized by parties who object to the validity of the Criminal Code,” said Indriyanto.