MK limits insult provisions, only president and vice president may file
Police and prosecutors cannot act on third-party complaints under Articles 218-219 of the KUHP, including in digital spaces.
Mahkamah Konstitusi has narrowed the use of insult provisions against the president and vice president, ruling that such cases can be prosecuted only if the president and/or vice president file a complaint themselves. Decision No. 275/PUU-XXIII/2025 partially granted a judicial review of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the KUHP, especially by giving a new interpretation of Article 220 paragraph (1) related to Articles 218 and 219. Justice Minister Supratman Andi Agtas said the ruling clarifies the reporting mechanism so it does not lead to differing interpretations. House Commission XIII member Rieke Diah Pitaloka said the decision balances protection of the dignity of the president and vice president with citizens' freedom to criticize, monitor and correct those in power. She also called for harmonization with Law No. 1 of 2024 on ITE after the national KUHP takes effect on 2 January 2026.