MenkumHAM Actively Socialization of the RUU KUHP to Public

VIVA – The government through the Ministry of Law and Human Rights or MenkumHAM said that it was actively holding outreach and public dialogue regarding the contents of the draft Criminal Code (RUU KUHP). Public dialogue is conducted in an open and limited manner.

Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights, Edward Omar Sharif H. in an online discussion with the theme of the KUPH Bill: A Form of Indonesian Legal Justice, which was held by the Merdeka Barat 9 Forum on Monday, August 29, 2022, said this public dialogue is open but limited.

Open means accepting input from anywhere. While it is limited because it focuses more on 14 crucial issues.

Edward explained, that in conducting socialization, his party was like the proverb that said "Diving while Drinking Water". It means that apart from conducting socialization, his party also continues to seek input from people.

"I think this is running in parallel, while the government is conducting public dialogue and outreach, the DPR has also through formal channels held a Hearing Meeting (RDP), at least with two elements of society, the first is the Press Council and the Indonesian Doctors Association," Edward remarked.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson of the PBNU LPBH, Abu Rokhmad, expressed his appreciation for the existence of the blasphemy article. According to him, the existence of the article indicates that the legislators still attach importance to the existence of religion, people, and their symbols.

"Therefore, if the draft criminal code still contains articles on blasphemy, it means that legislators still attach importance to religion itself, then its religious people, then its symbols," Abu Rokhmad remarked.

According to Abu, the state needs to protect religious adherents, including followers of other religions, through laws. The goal is solely to maintain togetherness, and benefit.

"Because if this (the blasphemy article-red) is left alone, I think we will only repeat it, repeat the history of the past. We have had such incidents many times." Abu Rokhmad added.

Abu also delivered a critical note on the implementation and application of this blasphemy article. According to him, what needs to be considered are the elements of blasphemy against his religion. Especially if the blasphemy article is combined with the article on the ITE Law.

Basically, from the socialization that has been and will be carried out by the government on the entire Draft Criminal Code.

For information, the government submitted a draft of the Criminal Code Bill to the DPR on July 6, 2022, for further discussion before it is ratified. Edward said that there are 37 chapters and 632 articles in this Draft Criminal Code.