Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Constitutional Court has formally revised the definition of "obstruction of justice" within the Anti-Corruption Law to prevent potential overcriminalization and legal uncertainty. 

In its ruling on Monday (2/3/2026), the Court declared the phrase "directly or indirectly" in Article 21 unconstitutional, effectively stripping it of legal binding force to protect freedom of expression and professional advocacy.

"The existence of the phrase 'indirectly' blurred the line between legitimate public discussion and unlawful interference," said Constitutional Justice Arsul Sani during the plenary session in Jakarta, as reported by antaranews.com

The Court argued that the previous wording allowed for subjective interpretations by law enforcement, potentially targeting advocates, journalists, or whistleblowers engaged in lawful investigations or public debates. 

By removing the ambiguous phrasing, the Court aligns Indonesian law with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the new Criminal Code. Under the revised ruling, individuals can only be prosecuted under Article 21 if they are proven to have intentionally prevented, hindered, or foiled legal proceedings through clear, verifiable actions.