Minister of Religion and Indonesian Ulema Council Sign MoU to Oversee Implementation of New Criminal Code
Indonesia’s Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar and the leadership of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the implementation of the Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), particularly concerning religious offences and morality issues.
The signing took place at MUI’s headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March, with MUI represented by Deputy Chairman of the MUI Leadership Council, K.H. Marsudi Syuhud.
At the event, Minister Nasaruddin Umar emphasised that legal matters concern fundamental human rights for society. He therefore considered clarity in KUHAP definitions to be important, including the definition of “religion”.
“For those of us who already understand, the definition of religion may not need questioning. However, our future descendants will ask, ‘What is religion?’ What is religion and how does it differ from belief?” said the Minister.
He added that incomplete understanding of history could create confusion in viewing the concept of religion. Therefore, he argued that deep study is needed to ensure that the definition of religion used by the state aligns with the understanding of religious experts or ulama.
“We must not take this matter of definition lightly. There must be no space for those who ‘sell’ religion due to the lack of clear boundaries. These are guidelines we must establish together,” he stressed.
The Minister also described this effort to synchronise law between the government and ulama as a form of great service. He reaffirmed his commitment to re-examine articles that could potentially cause social problems in the future.
“I consider this a ‘jihad’ to provide a good interpretation of the current Criminal Code. We must move quickly to create guidelines to protect the people in the future. Those who have the right to determine this future are all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, MUI Advisory Council Chairman Wahiduddin Adams explained that this cooperation is a follow-up to recommendations from the MUI National Consultation (Munas) and National Working Consultation (Mukernas).
The initiative also responds to the implementation of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code on 2 January 2026, and Law Number 20 of 2025 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code.
According to Wahiduddin, although several articles in these regulations have been formulated clearly, various different interpretations continue to emerge in society, causing controversy.
“Although the articles appear clear, many different interpretations still emerge in society, triggering controversy. This is where the importance of synergy between the Ulama and Umara (government) lies in unifying steps,” said Wahiduddin.