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No real changes in 'final' KUHP draft, critics say
The government submitted what it deemed as a watered-down draft of the penal code bill to lawmakers on Wednesday, although it still retains some contentious articles, as lawmakers seek to pass the bill before their recess in mid-December.
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University students protest against the revision of the Criminal Code (KUHP) in front of the House of Representatives compound, on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. (JP/Donny Fernando)
T
he government submitted what it deemed as a watered-down draft of the penal code bill to lawmakers on Wednesday, although it still retains some contentious articles, as lawmakers seek to pass the bill before their recess in mid-December.
Deputy Law and Human Rights Minister Edward “Eddy” OS Hiariej claimed that the government had accommodated 53 points of public input when revising the latest draft of the Criminal Code (KUHP) bill and watered down some controversial provisions, such as those criminalizing insults to a sitting president and vice president.
"[The latest draft] shows that the government and the House really listen to the public aspirations," Eddy said during a meeting with the House Commission III overseeing legal affairs on Wednesday.
The government held what it described as “a series of public discussions” to seek input from certain members of the public, such as students and law experts, regarding the controversial provisions. The discussions were held at the instruction of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who had responded to the public’s growing opposition to the provisions.
Commission III is now planning to conclude the deliberation of the bill this month and will vote on whether to bring it to a House plenary session sometime next month during the current sitting period. Prior to the vote, Commission III lawmakers will host a consultation session with some civil society groups next Monday and a meeting with the government on Nov. 21.
Commission III member Taufik Basari of the NasDem Party confirmed the timeline, saying: “Well that’s exactly what our schedule is”.
“This is a crucial time for the public to monitor the deliberation – whether or not the policymakers thoroughly accommodate public opinions and offer meaningful public participation,” Taufik told The Jakarta Post.
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