Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Indonesia's Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, has defended Article 188 of the country's new Criminal Code, which prohibits the dissemination of communist and Marxist-Leninist ideologies, saying these beliefs are incompatible with the nation's foundational philosophy, Pancasila.
"The spread of communism is prohibited because it contradicts Pancasila. I don't see any problem with this," Supratman said during a press conference at the Ministry of Law in Jakarta on Monday, January 5, 2026.
He mentioned that the prohibition of communism is not a new regulation. He also clarified that academic study of communism is allowed. "If the purpose is for research, it will not be penalized. So, that's something extraordinary," he added.
Article 188 is part of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which came into effect on January 2, 2023.
The law bans the public dissemination of communist or Marxist-Leninist ideologies, or any other ideology deemed to contradict Pancasila, and carries a maximum prison sentence of four years.
While the law allows exceptions for academic or research purposes, critics argue that its wording is vague. The phrase "other ideologies that contradict Pancasila" is subjective and could be politically leveraged to criminalize dissenting opinions or academic discourse.
Eko Prasetyo, co-founder of the Social Movement Institute, expressed concern that Article 188 restricts civil liberties, particularly the right to debate or discuss a broad spectrum of political and philosophical ideas.