In Indonesia, freedom of expression has its limits. Casual verbal insults are set to face legal repercussions under the revised Criminal Code, which will be enforced starting in 2026.
Animal-related name calling such as “dog”, “pig”, whether delivered in person or through digital platforms, is now formally addressed under the updated law.
Key changes effective from 2 January 2026
Under Indonesia’s revised Criminal Code (KUHP), individuals who insult others using animal-based terms may face:
- Up to six months’ imprisonment, or
- A fine of up to Rp10 million (approximately RM2,400)
These penalties apply to both spoken and written forms of communication.
Slang and online remarks not exempt
Expressions derived from animal terms, frequently used as slang or jokes in online spaces, may also be considered offences. Even when there is no intention to defame, such language can still be classified as minor insults.
Image credit: Canva
Legal experts have confirmed that calling someone by animal names falls within the definition of verbal abuse under the revised law.
Changes in the law
- Old KUHP:
- Article 315 penalized verbal or written insults
- Up to four months and two weeks’ jail
- Revised KUHP:
- Article 436: non-defamatory insults remain punishable
- Article 433: defamation offenses carry up to nine months’ jail or a Rp10 million fine
Enforcement subject to formal complaints
Cases involving verbal insults will be handled as complaint-based offenses, meaning authorities will act only when a report is filled. To proceed, the complaint must provide supporting evidence, such as:
- Audio or video recordings
- Screenshots or digital traces
- Witness statements
With these changes, everyday language once viewed as harmless may soon carry legal risks, prompting the public to exercise greater caution in both offline conversations and online interactions.
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