Ima Dini Shafira, Jakarta – The police started to disperse people demonstrating against the ratification of the criminal code bill (RKUHP) before the Parliament building today, December 6, 2022. The Alliance of Criminal Code Reform staged a symbolic rally, setting up camping tents in front of the House of Representatives or DPR because of emergency democracy.
Tempo observed that at 18:00 Jakarta time, a Central Jakarta Police officer from inside the building called on protestors to leave the area.
"It's already 18:00 WIB. Please obey the [determined] time. We urge and appeal to you all demonstrating in front of the DPR Building to comply with and respect the time of expressing opinions in public," said the police officers.
The masses were seen forming a circle and having talks. They then continued discussing problematic articles contained in the newly-passed law.
After 10 minutes, the police issued the first warning. "We urge all demonstrating to respect the demonstration time," said the police.
The DPR and the government have passed the RKUHP at today's plenary meeting. The law will officially take effect for the next three years. This problematic law was met with objections from various groups, including the Alliance of Criminal Code Reform.
The government and the DPR responded coldly to the rejection. Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly stated that parties who disagree with the RKUHP could file a petition for a judicial review to the Constitutional Court.