By: Andi Kurniawan)*
The Draft Criminal Code (RKUHP) is the latest bill, which will replace the old version of the Criminal Code. The public can view the articles of the RKUHP online , then provide input, as a form of information disclosure.
The RKUHP will soon be ratified to replace the old KUHP which is very outdated, as it was drafted more than 77 years ago. However, before it was legalized, the government provided offline socialization so that the public understood the importance of replacing the Criminal Code, which is a Dutch heritage law. In addition, the RKUHP can also be accessed so that the articles are clearly known to the people.
The Presidential Staff for Legal Affairs, Dini Purwono, stated that the draft RKUHP could be accessed by the public through the government’s official website. The RKUHP brings the spirit of renewal for a better Indonesia. The rules in the RKUHP can guide people’s behavior for the better.
In a sense, the government gives access to the public to read the articles in the RKUHP, so that they can see it directly. This openness should be appreciated because the government provides opportunities for the people to observe the articles in the RKUHP. Especially in articles that are considered controversial.
In addition, the community can also provide input when they feel that the articles in the RKUHP are inaccurate or lacking. Input is needed because the RKUHP will regulate the criminal law of the community, so they will obey it. The government provides an opportunity for the people to provide criticism, suggestions, and input, so that they can be considered by the DPR RI.
If the public is allowed to read and provide input on the articles in the RKUHP, then the government acts fairly because the law is made for the people and they are given the opportunity to see it. Not that it was suddenly inaugurated without an opportunity for the people to know the draft .
President Jokowi’s government upholds democracy because the people are allowed to provide input and suggestions on a bill. In Pancasila democracy, the people may form laws and regulations in society, and are usually represented by the DPR RI. But when they can give advice on government websites, it will be very special.
Therefore, it is a big mistake if someone alleges that the RKUHP is inconsequential or the RKUHP is an abbreviation of the Draft Law on the Ruling Law. The reason is because the government contributes to the community to channel their aspirations and suggestions. Instead of being authoritarian and suddenly inaugurating the RKUHP.
President Jokowi’s government is still pro-people and loves the people, and wants the life order of Indonesian citizens to be better thanks to the RKUHP. No one should have a negative view of the bill, because later it will be useful for the community. If citizens are allowed to provide input, it is a sign that the government is paying attention to its people.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Marciana Dominika Jone, held socialization of the RKUHP in NTT online and offline. The goal is to solicit aspirations and input from various elements of society. Events are held online and offline for more participants.
Socialization in NTT was held to various elements of society, ranging from legal experts, students, teachers, lecturers, and others. With this socialization, they will understand and no longer consider the articles in the RKUHP to be controversial. The reason is because there is an explanation from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and they will be satisfied with it.
In addition, the socialization also explained that the RKUHP is an original Indonesian legal product, which was made by Indonesian legal experts. Meanwhile, the Criminal Code, which was made by the colonialists (the Netherlands) is so old-fashioned, irrelevant to a democratic country like Indonesia, nor does it keep up with the times. RKUHP is a real manifestation of law as the soul of the nation.
The socialization was carried out to prevent misunderstandings, and to explain that the people could give their aspirations and suggestions via online. However, in the socialization event with the Ministry, they can also express their objections or proposals regarding the RKUHP. Later the Ministry officials will record it and express the aspirations during the DPR RI session.
The Ministry of Law and Human Rights also explained that the RKUHP was drafted for 50 years, from the New Order era to the post-reform era. President Jokowi wants the RKUHP to be promulgated so that the drafting is not too long, and will make criminal law in Indonesia better.
In a sense, the public should not reject the RKUHP, because this bill was made for them. The articles in the RKUHP have been made in such a way that later people’s lives will be more orderly, and avoid criminal crimes.
The RKUHP can be accessed online through the government’s official website. The public can read hundreds of articles in it, and examine whether there is really a controversial article in it? That way they can see the original article, not the one that has been twisted by fake media. The public can also provide input so that members of the DPR will consider it before inaugurating the RKUHP.
)* The author is a contributor to Persada Institute
