New Criminal Code: Imprisonment Removed, Fines Introduced?

Landmark Shift in Indonesian Law: Imprisonment Abolished, Replaced with Fines

A sweeping overhaul of Indonesia’s criminal justice system will see imprisonment replaced with fines across a broad spectrum of offenses, marking a meaningful move towards prioritizing rehabilitation adn upholding citizens’ rights.

Indonesia is poised to fundamentally alter its approach to criminal punishment. According to a senior official, the nation’s new Criminal Code (KUHP) no longer recognizes imprisonment as a valid penalty, instead mandating fines for offenses categorized from 1 to 8. This change, the official explained, is also codified within the Criminal Adjustment Law.

“Now, because in our Criminal Code, imprisonment is no longer recognized, what is there is a fine, so it is from category 1 to category 8,” the official stated on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Law office in Jakarta.

Did you know? – Indonesia’s previous criminal code,inherited from its Dutch colonial past,heavily relied on imprisonment. This reform represents a decisive break from that legacy, prioritizing financial penalties.

The shift extends beyond the core Criminal Code itself. Authorities have indicated that existing legislation – including laws pertaining to forestry,the habitat,and maritime affairs – will be amended to reflect the new system. Regional regulations will also undergo revisions to eliminate imprisonment as an option, with fines becoming the standard penalty.

This thorough reform aims to establish a unified and integrated criminal law system, enhancing legal certainty while simultaneously safeguarding the dignity of Indonesian citizens. The move is intended to modernize the justice system and align it with international human rights standards.

“So this was all done with the sole intention,once again apart from maintaining public order,but the protection of human rights is extraordinary in both the criminal Procedure Code and our Criminal Code,” the official added.

Pro tip – The implementation of fines will likely require a robust system for enforcement and collection to ensure effectiveness and prevent disparities in request.

The changes build upon recent developments in option sentencing, such as the utilization of schools and orphanages as locations for social work punishments, as previously reported. This broader trend suggests a deliberate effort to move away from punitive measures towards restorative justice and community-based rehabilitation.

The implementation of this new system represents a bold step for Indonesia, signaling a commitment to a more humane and rights-respecting approach to criminal justice.

Reader question – How might this shift in sentencing impact Indonesia’s prison population and the resources allocated to corrections? share your thoughts.