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This research analyzes the Indonesian government’s policy responses to combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in the Arafura Sea during 2023-2024, focusing on the case of the Run Zeng 03 and Run Zeng 05 vessels. These foreign-flagged vessels, owned by a Chinese company but registered under the Russian flag, were involved in illegal fishing and human rights violations against Indonesian fishery crew members. Using a qualitative descriptive approach supported by literature studies and official government data, this research analyzes how Indonesia implemented its maritime sovereignty through legal enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and international maritime diplomacy. The findings reveal that Indonesia’s measures, such as vessel monitoring AIS/VMS technology, law enforcement through arrests and seizures, and diplomatic engagement with flag states reflect a progressive but still reactive approach. The study identifies key challenges, including limited foreign authorities. This research highlights the need for an integrated policy framework that combines hard power (law enforcement and patrols) with soft power (international cooperation, economic diplomacy, and labor protection). The study concludes that a comprehensive and collaborative approach is essential to strengthen maritime governance and ensure sustainable, equitable management of Indonesia’s marine resources.

The enactment of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP) has brought a number of controversies, one of which is related to the revival of provisions regarding the criminal act of insulting the President and Vice President. This article aims to critically examine these provisions in the perspective of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Indonesian constitution and international human rights instruments. This research uses a normative juridical approach with an analysis of the norms in the new Criminal Code, the 1945 Constitution, as well as international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The results of the study show that although the provision of insulting the President in the Criminal Code is only referred to as a complaint offense and is framed to protect the dignity of state institutions, the provision still has the potential to limit freedom of opinion excessively. In addition to risking opening a loophole for criminalization of legitimate public criticism, this rule also has the potential to contradict the principles of non-discrimination and accountability of public officials in a democratic country. Therefore, an in-depth evaluation of the formulation of norms and their application is needed so that they do not conflict with the spirit of democracy and the protection of human rights.   Keywords: , , , , .

The ratification of the new Criminal Code (KUHP) through Law Number 1 of 2023 marks an important milestone in the history of Indonesian criminal law. The new Criminal Code replaces the colonial product that has been in place for more than a century and brings significant updates, especially in the regulation of gender-based crimes such as sexual and psychological violence. The recognition of these forms of violence is a response to the demands of civil society and is part of Indonesia's commitment to international human rights instruments. However, the effectiveness of such arrangements still faces serious challenges, such as the narrowness of the criminal formulation, the high burden of proof, and the potential for gender bias in the criminal justice system. In this context, criminal law should not only be a means of repression, but also carry out preventive and protective functions through holistic criminal policies. An integrative approach that combines penal and non-penal strategies is important to address the complexity of gender-based violence that is structural and multidimensional. This article aims to critically evaluate the provisions of the new Criminal Code related to sexual and psychological violence in the perspective of gender-responsive criminal policy. The evaluation was carried out taking into account the principles of restorative justice, the protection of victims' rights, and the need for social transformation that supports equality and non-discrimination. The results of this study are expected to be an input for the improvement of a criminal law system that is fairer and on the side of victims, especially women and other vulnerable groups.

Domestic helpers (DWs) play a vital role in sustaining household life in urban areas, yet their legal position in the Indonesian labour system remains marginal and vulnerable, without adequate legal protection. This research aims to analyse juridically normatively the legal position of domestic workers within the framework of national labour law and identify regulatory gaps and structural barriers that hinder the protection of their basic rights. Using a literature study method and a normative juridical approach, this research examines legislation, legal doctrine, and recent scientific literature. The analysis shows that Law No. 13 Year 2003 does not recognise domestic workers as formal workers, and Permenaker No. 2 Year 2015 is non-binding, creating a legal vacuum that results in vulnerability to exploitation, discrimination, and human rights violations. The absence of special regulations such as the PPRT Bill and the non-ratification of ILO Convention No. 189 exacerbate structural injustice against domestic workers. This research concludes that the legal protection of domestic workers is very weak normatively and practically, so regulative reform is needed through the enactment of special laws and harmonisation of national laws with international human rights standards in order to create a fair, inclusive and social justice-based employment system.