New Criminal Code Seen as Momentum to Strengthen Religious Harmony
The implementation of the new Criminal Code (KUHP) is regarded as a momentum to strengthen the approach to maintaining religious harmony in Indonesia. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) is encouraging a paradigm shift that focuses not only on protecting religion as an institution but also on creating a peaceful shared living space within a pluralistic society.
This view was expressed by the Head of the Centre for Religious Harmony (PKUB) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, M. Adib Abdushimad, during the opening of the ‘Harmony Talks Batch 4’ webinar, titled ‘National Strategy for the Maintenance of Harmony and the Protection of Religious Life Post-New KUHP’, on Friday (3/7/2026).
According to Adib, diversity is a fundamental characteristic of the Indonesian nation; therefore, the implementation of new regulations should be directed towards strengthening harmonious communal life. Consequently, approaches to maintaining harmony must continuously adapt to societal developments without abandoning the principle of respecting every citizen’s right to practice their beliefs.
“In this new perspective, the law is not only present to protect religion as an institution, but to ensure there is a safe space for all believers to live alongside each other peacefully. This is the spirit we wish to oversee, ensuring that the implementation of the new KUHP truly strengthens brotherhood amidst diversity,” said Adib.
He explained that the concept of ‘protecting religious coexistence’ places social harmony as a vital objective in the execution of the law. This approach is expected to strengthen the culture of dialogue, mutual respect, and the peaceful resolution of issues within a pluralistic society.
According to Adib, the success of the new KUHP’s implementation is determined not only by legal instruments but also by public understanding regarding the importance of maintaining harmony as social capital for national development.
The webinar also featured the Director General of Politics and General Government of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Akmal Malik, as a keynote speaker. In his presentation, Akmal emphasised the importance of synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the community in overseeing the implementation of various policies related to religious life.
He assessed that cross-institutional coordination and the strengthening of understanding at the regional level are crucial factors to ensure that the implementation of regulations can run effectively while maintaining social stability.
The discussion, moderated by the Head of the Division for the Development of Religious Harmony Institutions and Religious Institutions of PKUB, Hery Susanto, also featured the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Coalition for Advocacy of Freedom of Religion and Belief, Zainal Abudbin Bagir, and the Chairman of the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Papua Province, Lipiyus Biniluk.
The speakers discussed various challenges in maintaining religious harmony following the enactment of the new KUHP, including the importance of strengthening dialogue, building trust between religious groups, and increasing public literacy regarding the substance of the applicable regulations.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs hopes that such discussion forums can serve as a space for the exchange of ideas between the government, academics, religious leaders, and civil society in formulating strategies to strengthen religious harmony.
With increased mutual understanding, the implementation of the new KUHP is expected to support the creation of a religious life that is peaceful, inclusive, and strengthens unity amidst the diversity of Indonesian society.