The passage of Indonesia’s new criminal code
The House of Representatives (DPR) passed the new criminal code bill (RKUHP) into law at the 11th plenary session on Tuesday (December 6). This prompted a number of protests due to several controversial articles. The criminal code was eagerly covered by foreign media which spotlighted clauses related to human rights, especially the prohibition of sex outside of marriage. Many feared that it could have a negative impact on Indonesia’s tourism industry and foreign investment. The Representatives from the United Nations (UN), Australia and the United States also expressed their concern and asked the government to review it.
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Cianjur earthquake
Strong earthquake struck Cianjur, West Java, on November 21. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the shallow earthquake, recorded at magnitude 5.6 has claimed the lives of 334 people and caused hundreds other to lose their houses. The government mounted disaster relief operations by involving the Indonesian military (TNI) and the Defense Ministry. President Jokowi personally went to sites to oversee the rescue and evacuation efforts as well to provide material and emotional support for the victims. (bp)