JLAS: Journal of Law and Administrative Science
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): JLAS: Journal of Law and Administrative Science (April)

RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN INDONESIA’S DIGITAL PUBLIC SPHERE AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION

Clara Ignatia Tobing (Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

The expansion of digital platforms has transformed religious expression in Indonesia and intensified religion-based identity polarization in the digital public sphere. This study analyzes the legal responsibility of religious leaders who disseminate religious narratives online. Using normative legal research grounded in constitutional law and international human rights law, the study examines Indonesian legal instruments, including the amended Electronic Information and Transactions Law and the new Criminal Code, alongside the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also considers interfaith digital dialogue practices and selected online sermon examples. The study finds that religious leaders are full legal subjects who bear personal responsibility for the content and foreseeable social impact of their digital religious expression. Religious authority does not exempt them from accountability. The study formulates four parameters for distinguishing protected religious expression from religion-based hate speech: intent, substance, manner and context of dissemination, and potential social impact. These parameters support proportionate enforcement, legal certainty, pluralism, and the prevention of polarization and hate speech in digital environments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JLAS

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

JLAS: Journal of Law and Administrative Science diterbitkan oleh Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora Universitas Teknologi Surabaya. Ditujukan sebagai wadah penyampaian pemikiran dan analisis ilmiah dalam bidang ilmu sosial dan humaniora secara umum dan secara khusus dalam hukum dan ilmu ...