Rationality of Witchcraft Offense in The New Paradigm of Punishment in Indonesia

Abstract

This research examines the rationality of criminalizing the practice of witchcraft in the framework of Indonesian criminal law after the enactment of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. This law expressly regulates criminal acts based on the recognition of magical powers associated with witchcraft. The offence of witchcraft in the new Criminal Code raises various controversies such as the potential vagueness of the norm, difficulty of proof, and implications for freedom of expression as well as the potential for arbitrary criminalization. Many have criticized the irrationality of regulating witchcraft, which is rooted in mystical beliefs, consciously drawn by the legislators into a rational legal framework. How can a practice that is considered irrational be regulated by law based on rationality and logic? Using normative juridical research method, this study unravels the witchcraft controversy in the new Criminal Code while explaining the legal framework and punishment policy contained in Article 252 of the Criminal Code. Through philosophical deepening and comparative studies, this study critically examines the aspects of norm coherence with the principle of legality, scientific proof efforts, as well as its effectiveness in dealing with social impacts. The purpose of this study is to analyze the rationale behind the establishment of Article 252 of the Criminal Code as an instrument to criminalize the practice of witchcraft. The results of this study conclude that Article 252 of the Criminal Code is a rational legal instrument. This article also reflects a paradigm shift in punishment that is not merely repressive, but educative and preventive so that the Indonesian criminal law system is able to respond to the irrational practice of witchcraft.