Iustitia: Journal of Legal Theory, Politics, and International Relations
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): May: Iustitia: Journal of Legal Theory, Politics, and International Relations

The Regulation of Digital Platforms and Freedom of Expression in Indonesia’s Constitutional System

Zahra Nabilla (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Azka Syifaul Maula (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 May 2026

Abstract

This study examines the constitutional relationship between digital platform regulation and freedom of expression within Indonesia’s legal system by analyzing the normative imbalance between state moderation authority and constitutional protections of communicative liberty. The research employs a non empirical juridical methodology grounded in constitutional, doctrinal, conceptual, and comparative legal analysis through the examination of the Constitution of Indonesia 1945, the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, Ministerial Regulation Number 5 Year 2020, Constitutional Court decisions, and scholarly discussions concerning digital constitutionalism and democratic governance. The findings demonstrate that Indonesian digital regulation continues to prioritize administrative control, platform compliance obligations, and public order rationales without developing sufficiently coherent proportionality standards capable of protecting constitutional freedom of expression. Constitutional adjudication has recognized the significance of online participation within democratic society, yet judicial interpretation remains inconsistent in defining legality, necessity, procedural fairness, and restrictive limits applicable to digital expression regulation. The study argues that reconstruction of Indonesian digital governance requires rights based constitutional proportionality, transparent moderation mechanisms, independent oversight institutions, and stronger safeguards against disproportionate state intervention in digital communicative spaces.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

iustitia

Publisher

Subject

Description

Iustitia is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to publishing high-quality scholarly works in legal studies, political science, and international relations. The journal provides an international platform for researchers, legal scholars, political analysts, diplomats, and policymakers to ...