<![CDATA[This research is motivated by the urgency to critically evaluate the reintroduction of offenses against the President's dignity in Article 218 of Law Number 1 of 2023 (the New Indonesian Criminal Code). While intended to protect state symbols, this regulation controversially mirrors colonial-era laws and fails to fully accommodate the democratic and socio-cultural values of modern Indonesian society. Unlike previous studies that predominantly focus on the normative bounds of free speech, this study offers a novel approach by utilizing the Critical Theory paradigm to deconstruct the power dynamics, colonial legacy, and discriminatory nature embedded within the law. Employing a normative legal research method with statutory and conceptual approaches, this study reveals that Article 218 paragraph (1) remains obscure and discriminatory, failing to reflect the "virtual reality" of Indonesia's living norms. The findings emphasize that legal products must not be treated as immune dogmas; rather, they require continuous critical evaluation to prevent the infringement of human rights. Ultimately, the study advocates for a progressive regulatory reconstruction that truly aligns with moral integrity, human rights, and democratic justice in Indonesia.]]>
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