"It is no longer oriented towards retributive justice, which uses criminal law as 'lex talionis' or as a tool to enact revenge," Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej stated during the opening of 'Law and Human Rights Ministry Goes to Campus 2023' at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, on Friday.
He explained that the new criminal code adopts a modern paradigm that promotes corrective, restorative, and rehabilitative justice. Violators will be punished, but they will also be corrected, Hiariej noted.
"If corrective justice is imposed on the perpetrators, then restorative justice will be given to the victims," he remarked.
The deputy minister also stated that the new criminal code aims to instill a sense of democracy by allowing for freedom in expressing thoughts in both written and spoken form, although it is restricted to some degree.
"Well, as for the limitations, us -- the ones who made the criminal code -- have referred to many decisions from the Supreme Court, some of which have been tested, then canceled, annulled," he remarked.
The new criminal code aims to eradicate the spirit of colonialism promulgated by the previous iteration that was apparent in its use as a way for revenge, he noted.
During the three-year period of raising awareness, the ministry will broadly disseminate information on the new criminal code, particularly for the law enforcement apparatus, so everyone would adopt the same vision, standard, and interpretation of the new code, he remarked.
"This is to prevent disparity of law enforcement between an area and the other and with one apparatus and the other," Hiariej affirmed.
Related news: Ministry lists possible challenges to new Criminal Code
Related news: New Criminal Code must not be used to prosecute journalists: PWI
Related news: No decline in foreign tourists after criminal code passed: Minister
Translator: Luqman Hakim, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
