Proceeding International Conference Restructuring and Transforming Law
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Proceeding International Conference Restructuring and Transforming Law

Ambiguity in Blasphemy Law Norms: Challenges to Religious and Expressive Rights in the Digital Age

M Mufidah (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
H Hartiwiningsih (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
I Isharyanto (Universitas Sebelas Maret)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Law No. 1/1965/PNPS on Blasphemy has become a highly sensitive legal framework aimed at safeguarding the harmony of religious freedom in Indonesia. However, in the context of technological advancements and the digital world, this law has undergone significant polarization, particularly in addressing actions deemed as blasphemy on social media. This polarization has consequently restricted the space for religious freedom and freedom of expression. This article analyzes the blasphemy law, which was initially designed to protect religious freedom but has evolved into a controversial regulation characterized by normative ambiguities. Employing statutory, philosophical, and sociological approaches, this study explores the legal objectives linked to the norms within the blasphemy law. Furthermore, it examines the interplay between Indonesia's religious culture and the phenomena of the digital era. Cases involving blasphemy on social media highlight critical issues, including the escalation of controversies, trial by media, selective criminalization, and pressure on freedom of expression. The article concludes that the normative ambiguity of Indonesia's blasphemy law presents significant challenges in upholding guarantees for religious freedom and freedom of expression. These challenges not only create legal uncertainty but also open avenues for political misuse. Therefore, legal reform is urgently required to establish clearer and more robust protections for human rights, particularly the rights to religious freedom and freedom of expression, while ensuring justice and equality for all citizens as mandated by the Constitution.

Copyrights © 2024






Journal Info

Abbrev

icrtlaw

Publisher

Subject

Description

International Conference Restructuring and Transforming Law is a international conference to identify the transforming and restructuring law strategy for finally find solution based. In conclusion, the public had basic tendencies and patterns towards law have been revealed. A pandemic that is ...