Digital Authoritarianism in Pancasila Democracy: A Legal Study of Restrictions on Freedom of Expression in Indonesia

Yoga Syamsualam

doi:10.15294/ijpgc.v5i2.46183

Authors

Yoga Syamsualam Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Semarang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15294/ijpgc.v5i2.46183

Keywords:

Digital Authoritarianism., Pancasila Democracy., Freedom of Expression., ICCPR, UU ITE

Abstract

This research is motivated by the rise of digital authoritarian practices in Indonesia, which threaten freedom of expression through systematic repression and cyber control. This study aims to comprehensively examine the escalation of silencing of expression in the digital space and its deviation from the fundamental principles of Pancasila Democracy. Using normative legal research methods with legislative, conceptual, and case-based approaches, this study analyzes the relationship between digital regulations and the principle of freedom of expression. The results show that Indonesia is experiencing democratic regression, reflected in a decline in internet freedom scores and the use of subjective regulations in the ITE Law (Law No. 1 of 2024) and the new Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023) to commit judicial harassment. This practice creates a "procedural facade" in which democratic legitimacy is formally maintained through elections, but the substance of civil liberties is emasculated through hybrid attacks and the dominance of political elite narratives. In conclusion, there is a lack of synchronization between national law and the international standards of the ICCPR and the intrinsic value of the Fourth Principle of Pancasila. The research recommendations include the urgency of reforming the paradigm of law enforcement officers from a punitive approach to protecting constitutional rights, as well as synchronizing national regulations with international tripartite test parameters to restore democratic public space.

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