The Criminal Code contains several controversial articles, including: Article 218, Section 1 of the code states that any person who attacks the personal dignity and honor of the sitting president or vice president may be punished with up to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment and a fourth-category fine (200 million rupiah).
Section 1 of the article states that anyone who claims to possess the ability to perform magic, announces it, gives hope to people for such abilities, or offers and aids in such services that cause significant bodily and mental harm, diseases, or death, will be punished with up to 1 year and 6 months imprisonment and a fourth-category fine (200 million rupiah).
[10] Hoaxing and trolling have become a part of the culture in Indonesia, both among pro-government and anti-government groups, and are widely enjoyed by the population.
Troll "factories" and so-called "cyber armies" have been operating in Indonesia since 2016, generating revenue by sowing discord and flooding the internet with socio-political and religious misinformation.
The Ministry of Law and Human Rights responded by condemning the protesters' claims, emphasizing that while criticism is vital for the country, spreading lies and misleading people is not acceptable.
[17] On 7 December 2022, a suicide bombing occurred at a police station in Astana Anyar District, Bandung, West Java.
Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that the perpetrator was affiliated with the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bandung branch.
[26] The passing of the law was condemned by the governments of Australia, the United States, South Korea, and even the United Nations, primarily for failing to accommodate protections and rights for LGBT individuals and domestic partnerships, as well as for not ensuring sufficient privacy, equity, religious freedom, and rights related to journalism and sexuality.
[27] The European Union also criticized the law for its excessive regulations on privacy, particularly concerning premarital sex, which they argued threatens democracy and freedom of speech.