January 15, 2026 | 03:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has criticized the government’s proposed Bill on the Prevention of Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda, saying it contradicts the 1945 Constitution.
YLBHI warned that the bill could curtail the freedom of expression guaranteed under Articles 28E and 28F.
Article 28F of the Constitution states that everyone has the right to seek, obtain, possess, store, process, and convey information through all available channels to develop themselves and their social environment.
Article 28E guarantees individual freedoms, including the right to express thoughts and opinions.
YLBHI expressed concern that the bill could be used as a tool for criminalizing critical voices.
“We view this plan as specifically targeting critical citizens, controlling information, and cutting off funding and support for civil society organizations,” the foundation said in a written statement on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The organization also linked the drafting of the bill to President Prabowo Subianto, claiming it reflects an anti-criticism stance. Officials in Prabowo’s circle have historically reacted negatively to scrutiny from civil society, often accusing foreign actors of influencing criticism.
“YLBHI sees this as part of a government increasingly resistant to criticism and dismissive of citizens and civil society organizations raising factual issues,” the statement said.
The foundation further warned that the bill could target not only civil society groups but also opposition political parties, academics, and journalists.
It also urged the government to halt the drafting, highlighting that the bill is not part of the established National Legislative Program and citing problems in the academic draft.
“YLBHI calls on the government to stop this plan and urges the public to understand and collectively resist this dangerous initiative,” the foundation said.
The draft bill is currently being formulated by the Ministry of Law, confirmed Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra.
“The draft is with Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas. I haven’t read it myself, so I can’t answer any questions yet,” Yusril told Tempo via text message on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Efforts to reach Minister Supratman for comment were unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls or messages from Tempo as of Tuesday night, January 13, 2026.
Amelia Rahima Sari contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Indonesia Drafts Law to Fight Foreign Disinformation
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