Legal Politics of Law Number 1 of 2023: Toward a Just and Civilized National Criminal Justice System
Keywords:
Legal Politics, Decolonization of Law, Human Rights, Restorative Justice, Morality OffensesAbstract
Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana / KUHP) represents a pivotal milestone in Indonesia’s long-standing effort to decolonize its criminal law system and establish a national legal framework grounded in Pancasila and constitutional values. This study examines the legal politics underlying the formulation of the 2023 Criminal Code by analyzing its historical trajectory, philosophical and juridical foundations, objectives of enactment, and key normative characteristics. Employing a normative juridical approach and library research method, the study relies on statutory analysis and doctrinal interpretation to explore the transformation of Indonesia’s criminal law from its colonial origins to its contemporary form. The findings reveal that the 2023 Criminal Code embodies a complex interplay between progressive legal reform and enduring normative tensions. On the one hand, it introduces significant innovations, including the recognition of customary law, the incorporation of restorative justice principles, the expansion of alternative sanctions, and the regulation of emerging crimes such as cyber and environmental offenses. These features reflect a shift toward a more humanistic, pluralistic, and responsive criminal justice system. On the other hand, several provisions particularly those related to morality offenses, defamation of state officials, and the retention of capital punishment have generated substantial debate due to their potential implications for human rights, privacy, and democratic freedoms. Furthermore, the study finds that the legitimacy and effectiveness of the 2023 Criminal Code are shaped not only by its normative content but also by the political and procedural context of its enactment, including concerns over limited public participation and deliberative deficits. The transitional period leading to its full implementation on January 2, 2026, constitutes a critical phase that requires institutional readiness, regulatory harmonization, and broad-based public engagement.
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