Indonesia to Implement Stricter Defamation Laws Including Animal Insults

New Legal Framework Under Revised Criminal Code

Indonesia is set to enforce a new regulation under the revised Criminal Code (KUHP) starting January 2, 2026, where insulting someone using animal names will be considered a criminal offense. According to Article 433 of the KUHP, such actions will be classified as defamation and can result in up to 6 months of imprisonment or a fine of Rp 10 million.

Legal Expert Confirms Enforcement

Abdul Fickar Hadjar, a criminal law expert from Trisakti University, confirmed that this regulation is not misinformation. He stated that using derogatory animal names like 'dog' or 'pig' against someone constitutes a criminal act of defamation. The expert emphasized that this is part of the country's efforts to update its legal framework to better address contemporary issues.

Social Media Buzz and Public Awareness

The news has been circulating on social media platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where users shared screenshots warning about the potential legal consequences of using such language. The posts originated from accounts like @txtdrimedia, which shared images with clear warnings about the impending law.

Implications for Freedom of Speech and Social Interactions

This new regulation has sparked discussions about the balance between maintaining public order and freedom of speech. While the law aims to protect individuals from verbal abuse, there are concerns about its potential impact on social interactions and online behavior. The Indonesian government will need to ensure that the implementation of this law is carried out fairly and transparently.