Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. Dhahana Putra, theDirector General of Human Rights at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, said that unmarried couples involved in adultery face criminal charges under Article 411 of the revised Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).

He explained on Monday (29/7/2024) that the article reaffirms the government’s commitment to uphold moral norms in society. 

The new KUHP introduces stricter regulations on cohabitation and adultery, according to antaranews.com.

According to Dhahana, cohabitation is defined as living together as if married, without a legally recognized marriage. 

Under the new KUHP, both cohabitation and adultery remain criminal offenses, but they are considered "complaint-based crimes," meaning legal action can only proceed if a complaint is filed by an affected party. This complaint must come from a spouse, parent, or child of the individuals involved.

The regulation aims to balance individual rights with social norms, respecting personal freedoms while ensuring adherence to societal values. It aligns with the principles of human rights as outlined in Law No. 39 of 1999, which includes the right to form a family and have children through legal marriage without undue pressure.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)