In Indonesia, a radical reform of criminal law has taken place. Now adultery and sexual relations between people of the same sex (photo) are crimes.

At the same time, legislation regulating the internet has also been reformed. Anyone who defames the president or various high officials could face time in jail. The platform Tumblr.com has been censured on account of its pornographic contents.

On 16 March 2018, a law entered into force bringing criticisms directed against Parliamentarians within the ambit of criminal law.

Furthermore, the autonomous region of Aceh is gradually establishing the Shariah. Its authorities have announced that anyone found guilty of a “bloodshed crime” would be beheaded.

Finally, a law penalizing “fake news” will probably be adopted prior to the Presidential Elections of 2019 to “prevent ethnic conflicts”.

Translation
Anoosha Boralessa