Knitting Democracy, Separating Restraints: Legal Reform and a Critical Analysis of Article 256 of the New Criminal Code and its Impact on Freedom of Speech

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15294/jllr.vol5i2.1670

Keywords:

Article 256 of the Criminal Code, Freedom of Expression, Democracy, Human Rights, Regulation of Demonstrations, Indonesia

Abstract

In Indonesia's democratic landscape, the presence of Article 256 of the Criminal Code has become a crucial point in discussions on freedom of expression and human rights. This article, with its criminal provisions for demonstration organisers who do not give prior notice to the authorities, poses a significant dilemma. The threat of imprisonment for up to six months and/or a maximum fine of Rp10 million raises deep questions about the space given to citizens to express their opinions in public spaces. This research uses normative legal research methods using statutory, conceptual, comparative, and futuristic approaches. The nature of this research is descriptive-prescriptive. The data that has been collected is analysed using the content analysis method. This research conducts an in-depth exploration of the implications of Article 256 of the current Criminal Code, which threatens criminal sanctions for organisers of unannounced demonstrations. This research investigates how this regulation has the potential to curb individual freedom of expression in public spaces, as well as its impact on the quality of democracy and the maintenance of human rights in Indonesia. The findings of this research confirm that Article 256 of the Criminal Code is a step backward in democratic practice and jeopardises freedom of expression. The research underscores the urgency of revising this regulation to ensure that the right to express opinions in public, as mandated by Law No. 9 of 1998, is protected as a key element in democracy and human rights. This reflects the importance of maintaining public space as an arena for free discussion and criticism, which is at the core of a healthy democratic system.

Author Biographies

  • Zico Junius Fernando, Faculty of Law, Universitas Bengkulu

    Zico Junius Fernando was born in Curup on June 7, 1990, and is the best and fastest graduate of the Bachelor of Laws Programme in 2012 and the Master of Laws Postgraduate Programme at the Faculty of Law, Bengkulu University, in 2013. A civil servant lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Bengkulu University, specializing in criminal law. Since 2021, he has been pursuing doctoral studies at Diponegoro University's Faculty of Law. He has experience in the legal field, namely working as an advocate or legal consultant in several offices and law firms and handling various cases. Most of his research focuses on criminal law, criminology, victimology, human rights, environmental issues, and anti-corruption. He is a Main Level Anti-Corruption Instructor at LSP KPK-RI, Head of Public Relations at the Indonesian Association of Victimology Lecturers (APVI), Head of the Criminal Law and Criminology Society (MAHUPIKI) at the Regional Representative Council of Bengkulu Province and Central Board of the Indonesian Association of Criminal Law and Criminology Lecturers (ASPERHUPIKI).

  • Kiki Kristanto, Faculty of Law, Universitas Palangka Raya

    Kiki Kristanto was born in Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan, on March 8, 1983. The author completed elementary school education in 1995, continued junior high school education in 1998, and continued high school education in 2001. After graduating from high school, the author pursued higher education (stratum 1) at the Faculty of Law, University of Palangka Raya, graduating in 2005. In 2008, the author continued his MIH undergraduate education at the Faculty of Law, Airlangga University Surabaya, which graduated in 2009. In 2017, the author continued his Strata 3 Legal Science education at the Doctor of Law Program, Faculty of Law, Universitas Brawijaya, and graduated in 2020. The author is currently active as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Palangkaraya, with the status of civil servant class IIId and the functional position of lecturer. In addition to being a member of the teaching staff, the author also serves as Chair of the UPR PPKS Task Force.

  • Ariesta Wibisono Anditya, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya

    Ariesta Wibisono Anditya is a PhD student at the Law Faculty, University of Malaya, and a law lecturer (assistant professor) at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani Yogyakarta. He has been teaching law since 2018. He is highly interested in legal research within criminal law, international criminal law, and cyberlaw. He is also highly passionate about pursuing a better academic and practical career. He'd like to hear from you and discuss it further.

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Article ID

1670

Published

30-04-2024

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2024): Justice and Law Reform in Various Perspectives

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Zico Junius Fernando, Kiki Kristanto, Ariesta Wibisono Anditya (Author)

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How to Cite

“Knitting Democracy, Separating Restraints: Legal Reform and a Critical Analysis of Article 256 of the New Criminal Code and Its Impact on Freedom of Speech”. 2024. Journal of Law and Legal Reform 5 (2): 555-86. https://doi.org/10.15294/jllr.vol5i2.1670.