Indonesian Cyber Law Review
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Indonesian Cyber Law Review

The Cyber Footprint of Digital Activism: The Legal Boundary between Freedom of Expression and Hate Speech in Indonesia

Daimah, Daimah (Unknown)
Krisch, Nico (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jul 2025

Abstract

The development of digital technology has encouraged the emergence of digital activism as a new means for citizens to voice opinions and fight for socio-political rights. However, in Indonesia, this space for digital expression is often faced with repressive regulations, particularly through the use of rubber articles in the Electronic Information and Transaction Law (ITE Law). This research aims to critically analyze the legal boundary between freedom of expression and hate speech in the context of digital activism, identify potential abuses of digital law against activists and citizens, and offer a just and democratic juridical framework. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method, data was collected through documentation of legal regulations, interviews with key figures, and netnographic observations on social media. The results show that ITE Law is often used as an instrument to silence political expression, with the trend of reporting against activists increasing in the last four years. The unclear definition of hate speech and the absence of explicit protection for political expression worsen the conditions for digital democracy. This research recommends digital regulatory reforms, including the establishment of an independent oversight body and affirmation of the legal boundary between criticism and hate speech, to guarantee civil rights in the cyber era.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

sci

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

The Indonesian Cyber Law Review focuses on issues related to cyber law and society in Muslim and non-Muslim countries from various perspectives, covering both theoretical and practical studies. Its aim is to communicate original research and current issues within the subject. The Review publishes ...