"We fully support the renewal of our criminal law, but we must also remember to ensure that the Criminal Code implementation does not harm the people by using the law to criminalize them," DPR Commission III legislator Santoso expounded at the Parliament Complex here on Tuesday.
The spirit of decolonization and law codification behind the decision to advance the new Criminal Code must not sacrifice people's rights, he added.
He said that the government must protect the freedom of speech enjoyed by residents and prevent it from getting compromised, and for this, there is a need to build a common understanding and ensure the prudent enforcement of the Criminal Code.
"We must understand that there are public concerns about regulations on the President's dignity and insult against national institutions," the legislator explained.
The new Criminal Code must also not expose journalists to possible criminalization as the work of the press is protected under the law.
"Assuring protection to the people (from errors in law enforcement) and (provision of) education to law enforcers are the current 'homework' of the government after passing the Criminal Code Law," Santoso remarked.
Earlier on Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the Criminal Code Bill into law during a plenary session of the parliament.
At the session chaired by DPR deputy speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, legislators unanimously approved the bill's passage.
Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly, represented the government at the session.
Ahmad said that all party factions had agreed to table the Criminal Code Bill at the plenary session for approval during its first reading.
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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