Indonesia copyright bill sparks press freedom fears

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 27 June 2026 |  JP Asia Desk

Advocates say Indonesia's proposed amendment to the 2014 Copyright Law overlaps with existing media rules and could expose journalists to new liabilities. They warn it may prompt litigation, encourage self-censorship and hamper investigative reporting.

Summary

JAKARTA — Indonesia's proposed revision of the country's Copyright Law is facing growing criticism from press freedom advocates, who warn that several provisions could expose journalists and media organizations to greater legal risk and undermine investigative reporting.

The Legal Aid Institute for the Press (LBH Pers) has argued that elements of the draft amendment to the 2014 Copyright Law overlap with existing media regulations and could create legal uncertainty for journalists who rely on copyrighted material while reporting matters of public interest. The organization says the changes risk "overcriminalization" by opening the door to lawsuits or criminal complaints against reporters and news outlets.

Press groups warn of legal uncertainty

According to LBH Pers, journalists already operate under Indonesia's Press Law, which provides mechanisms for resolving disputes involving news reporting. The institute argues that introducing additional copyright-related liabilities without clear exemptions for journalism could weaken legal protections established under the country's media framework.

Media advocates also contend that uncertainty over what constitutes permissible use of copyrighted material could discourage investigative reporting, documentary journalism, and the publication of evidence obtained in the public interest. They warn that the prospect of costly litigation may encourage self-censorship, particularly among smaller and independent news organizations.

Debate reflects wider regional concerns

The debate comes as Indonesia continues to balance stronger intellectual property protections with safeguarding press freedom in an increasingly digital media environment. The proposed revisions have also drawn attention because lawmakers have said they want the updated legislation to better protect journalistic works and address challenges posed by digital platforms and artificial intelligence, while critics argue that the draft requires clearer safeguards for legitimate news reporting.

Indonesia has experienced broader debates over media regulation in recent years, including proposed amendments to broadcasting legislation and the implementation of a new criminal code that press freedom organizations say could affect investigative journalism and freedom of expression. International observers have continued to identify legal and regulatory pressures as challenges facing Indonesian media despite the country's democratic reforms.

Parliament has yet to finalize the proposed Copyright Law revision. Press freedom groups are urging lawmakers to ensure that any amendments clearly protect legitimate journalistic activities and preserve legal certainty for reporters covering issues of public interest.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The Indonesian debate illustrates a growing global challenge as governments seek to modernize copyright laws for the AI and digital era without inadvertently restricting journalism. For media organizations, the outcome could influence how future copyright legislation balances creators' rights, platform accountability, and protections for public-interest reporting across Southeast Asia.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available reports by the Asian News Network and The Jakarta Post (June 24–26, 2026), with additional contextual information from the Reuters Institute's Digital News Report 2026.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.