Why should the Criminal Code be changed? Because the public would need a law that is in accordance with its ideology. If society changes, the law must also be changedSurabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs has been publicizing the draft Criminal Code (RKUHP) before its passage into law.
"The (criminal code) formulation team has continued to change since 59 years ago and has gone through the direction of seven Indonesian presidents. Currently, the RKUHP is ready to be ratified," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said during an online discussion on the RKUHP, which was followed from here on Wednesday.
He assured that the draft criminal code is ready to be ratified after going through a long formulation process since 1963.
At President Joko Widodo's directions, the RKUHP will be discussed and evaluated in order to reach a common understanding, the minister said.
Related news: Govt dismisses allegations public inputs not sought for RKUHP
The current criminal code is a legacy of the Dutch colonial era. Based on the Transitional Article II of the 1945 Constitution, which was ratified on August 18, 1945, laws and institutions of the colonial era would remain valid as long as new laws and institutions are not established.
The formulation of the RKUHP to replace the colonial-era criminal code has been among the goals of the nation's founders since Indonesia's independence, Mahfud said.
The RKUHP has been introduced with the intention of replacing regulations in the Indonesian criminal code and removing the remnants of the Dutch colonial system, as part of efforts to reform Indonesia's criminal justice system.
"Why should the Criminal Code be changed? Because the public would need a law that is in accordance with its ideology. If society changes, the law must also be changed," Mahfud said.
As Indonesia is now an independent nation, the colonial law must be replaced, he emphasized.
Related news: Drafting of criminal code law must involve public participation
"We have been an independent country for 77 years and have made the national criminal code into law," he said.
The RKUHP also covers customary law, which has long been recognized, he informed.
"But it needs to be discussed and explored again to reach a common understanding," he said.
Related news: Three hundred producers join Jakarta's Asian Food Ingredient Expo
Related news: Ministry invites people to discuss Criminal Code Bill
Translator: Abdul Hakim/Hanif Nashrullah, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
