Indonesia's Counter-Disinformation Bill Is Still in Discourse, Palace Says

3 hours ago 3

January 16, 2026 | 08:00 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s government has confirmed that the Draft Law on Countering Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda is still in the discussion stage and has not yet been formally drafted.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that the plan remains a discourse rather than concrete legislation.

“The drafting hasn’t started yet. It’s still a discourse,” Prasetyo, a Gerindra Party politician, told reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Prasetyo said the discussion has emerged from concerns over the accountability of information platforms and the need to ensure responsible information dissemination in society.

“The government is considering the impact of various information and communication platforms, especially if there are irresponsible parties. That’s the spirit behind this,” he added.

He also cited the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology as a reason for exploring new regulations.

“We don’t want AI or technology to be used irresponsibly or for harmful purposes,” Prasetyo said, stressing that technological advancements should benefit society. “We must be tech-savvy and strive to keep pace with innovation.”

According to Prasetyo, the government’s intention is to foster a responsible information environment while maintaining openness.

“It’s not that we don’t want transparency,” he said.

The Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, confirmed that the government is preparing a draft of the Countering Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda Bill.

“There will indeed be a draft,” he told Tempo via instant message on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. However, Yusril did not provide details on what the legislation would regulate.

The draft, prepared by the Ministry of Law, has circulated in an academic manuscript on social media.

The plan has drawn criticism from civil society groups. The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) said the bill could conflict with Indonesia’s Constitution.

According to YLBHI, the law may restrict freedom of expression guaranteed under Articles 28E and 28F of the 1945 Constitution.

Article 28F protects the right of every citizen to seek, receive, and disseminate information to support personal and social development, while Article 28E guarantees individual freedoms, including expressing thoughts and opinions.

YLBHI warned that the proposed legislation could be used to criminalize critical citizens, control information, and restrict funding and support for civil society organizations.

“YLBHI views this plan as targeting active citizens and civil society institutions,” the group said in a statement on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Amelia Rahima Sari and Dian Rahma Fika contributed to the writing of this article.

Read: YLBHI: Indonesia's Proposed Disinformation Bill Could Target Critical Voices

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Today's Prabowo-Professors Meeting Offers No Dialogue Session

14 jam lalu

Today's Prabowo-Professors Meeting Offers No Dialogue Session

President Prabowo promised to hold a special meeting to hear and address aspirations from universities.

Prabowo's Palace Dialogue Snubbed by Professors as 'Merely Ceremonial'

1 hari lalu

Prabowo's Palace Dialogue Snubbed by Professors as 'Merely Ceremonial'

A total of 180 university professors across Indonesia have been invited to the State Palace by President Prabowo Subianto.

Prabowo to Host Nationwide Meeting of Professors, Rectors at Palace

1 hari lalu

Prabowo to Host Nationwide Meeting of Professors, Rectors at Palace

Prabowo Subianto is set to meet a group of university professors and rectors from across Indonesia at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Palace Says Draft Regulation on TNI Counterterrorism Duties Has No Legal Force

6 hari lalu