EU Looks Into Indonesia's Controversial Criminal Code

Jayanty Nada Shofa
December 12, 2022 | 11:52 pm
SHARE
European Union (EU) ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Piket gives his remarks at a year-end media gathering in Jakarta on Dec. 12, 2022. (JG Photo/Jayanty Nada Shofa)
European Union (EU) ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Piket gives his remarks at a year-end media gathering in Jakarta on Dec. 12, 2022. (JG Photo/Jayanty Nada Shofa)

Jakarta. The European Union said that it was currently looking into the details of the Criminal Code which had drawn mounting criticisms at home and abroad. 

The bloc's envoy told reporters that there is still time for Indonesia to listen to the concerns over the newly passed criminal code. 

"There are around 600 articles. It would take a little bit of time to study. And also to see the connection and consistency of the law with the international human rights legislations that Indonesia has also subscribed to," EU ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Piket said at a year-end media gathering in Jakarta on Monday.

"For now, we are still in the phase of making up our mind about the details of the [law] that has just been passed last week," he said.

Advertisement

Indonesia has caught flak from countless parties, including the United Nations (UN), for passing the revised criminal code. The UN said in a recent statement that "several articles in the revised Criminal Code contravene Indonesia’s international legal obligations with respect to human rights.”

According to Piket, the years-long transitional period can give Indonesia time to take into account such concerns.

"Let's not forget the three-year phase-in period before the law enters into force. This means there is still quite some time for the Indonesian government to take away and listen to the concerns that have been expressed," the diplomat said.

"The EU would be very keen to work with the Indonesian government in that connection. We are a stakeholder and a close partner to Indonesia. We have a relationship that is based on shared values on the international human rights conventions that all of us have signed and implemented.”

Piket added that the EU would take into consideration its people’s interests – be it those residing here in Indonesia or the tourists visiting the country. “We want to make sure there is no undue harm that happens to them,” he said.

The envoy revealed the two areas concerned people the most, among others, the civic space. “First [area of concern] is civic space, democratic space, freedom of expression, and equality before the law. Secondly, it is more to do with morality such as the rules on cohabitation, and sexual relations outside marriage. They are more related to the individual rights in this country. So we are looking at these two areas,” Piket said.

Read More:

The revised criminal code which outlaws sex outside marriage has been making headlines across the globe. The law also sparked concerns that it could scare away tourists.

According to Piket, nothing will change during the three-year dissemination period. 

However, there is no denying that the massive international media coverage of the law could catch the tourists’ attention. 

"This is very much in the minds of travelers, especially when they make up their minds on where to travel. But let's not rush into conclusions," Piket said. 

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News May 7, 2025 | 9:19 pm

Friedrich Merz Stresses European Unity and Defense During First Trip As German Chancellor to Paris

Merz and Macron vowed to strengthen the continent's security and increase defense spending.
News May 3, 2025 | 10:00 am

Indonesia Aims to Seal EU Trade Deal by Mid-2025 After Years of Talks

Indonesia aims to finalize its long-delayed CEPA trade pact with the EU by mid-2025, eyeing tariff cuts and equal market access benefits.
News Feb 24, 2025 | 2:38 pm

Foreign Leaders Visit Ukraine to Mark 3rd War Anniversary

“In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny,” Ursula von der Leyen wrote.
News Feb 5, 2025 | 1:42 pm

Indonesia Secures $15.3 Million Climate Funding from France, EU

A portion of the money will go into helping Indonesia in designing energy policies.

The Latest


Lifestyle 1 hours ago

The Elderly, The Poor, and The Convert: The Chosen Few Answer the Call of Hajj

Poor, old, or newly converted—many Indonesians spend decades chasing the dream of Hajj. For some, 2025 is finally their moment
Business 2 hours ago

'Not in Our Name': Kadin Probes Alleged Intimidation in $1B Petrochemical Project

Kadin launches probe after viral video shows alleged extortion by local businessmen at Chandra Asri's $1 billion Cilegon project.
Lifestyle 4 hours ago

Review: ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ Proves Why the Franchise Never Dies

Unlike its characters, "Final Destination" manages to cheat death even after all these years.
News 4 hours ago

Police Arrest 27 for Looting Palm Fruit from Central Kalimantan Plantation

In addition to looting, the suspects have burned a company security post and taken the firm’s security guards hostage, police said.
News 5 hours ago

Indonesia’s Top Islamic Body Rejects Proposal to Legalize Casinos

An MUI leader said the casino issue is not merely legal but deeply rooted in moral and spiritual values.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED