Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas said only married partners or parents are authorized to file complaints over adultery or cohabitation cases under Indonesia’s new Criminal Code, as the offenses are classified as complaint-based crimes.

“Only the husband or wife, or the parents of the person concerned, are allowed to file a complaint,” he said during a press conference at the Ministry of Law in Jakarta on Monday (5/1/2026), as cited by antaranews.com.

The minister explained that Articles 411 and 412 of Law No. 1/2023 on the Criminal Code aim to protect family integrity and children, marking a shift from the previous code that focused solely on adultery involving married partners. The provisions were finalized after debates in the House of Representative (DPR) over morality and civil liberties, resulting in a political compromise.

The new Criminal Code officially took effect on 2 January 2026, three years after its promulgation. Under the law, adultery and cohabitation outside marriage are punishable only if reported by eligible parties, certain public members or third-party intervention.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)