Law Enforcement Against Religious Blasphemy on Social Media in Indonesia

ABSTRACT


INTRODUCTION
The intersection of technology, freedom of expression, and cultural diversity presents several challenges in Indonesia.These challenges are multifaceted and involve various aspects of society, including law, culture, and religion.
One of the challenges is related to the use of automated anti-piracy systems (AAPSs) in the digital environment.These systems, which are used to monitor and control the use of copyrighted content online, can potentially impact cultural diversity.They can limit the freedom of expression by blocking content that right-holders have identified as their own.This can pose a challenge in a culturally diverse country like Indonesia, where the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity are closely intertwined with freedom of expression [1].
The Easta Journal Law and Human Rights (ESLHR)  Another challenge is the criminalization of spreading disinformation, which is considered a violation of freedom of expression.The development of information and communication technology, particularly the internet, has changed people's perceptions of both disinformation and freedom of expression.This has led to debates about the extent to which criminal law should intervene against disinformation and how this might impact freedom of expression [2].
The digital world has also opened new channels for the Islamic world to build a global Muslim community, strengthening solidarity, social networking, political participation, selfexpression, storytelling, and meaning-making [3]- [6].This has led to a new generation of Muslims using digital media to question cultural taboos and challenge traditional religious authorities.However, this can also lead to conflicts and tensions within the community [7].
The use of technology to preserve and promote cultural diversity is another challenge.For instance, the development of an E-Museum for preserving the culture of South Sumatra is a creative step towards preserving local culture.However, it also requires careful management to ensure that the cultural values contained in the exhibits are not diminished [8].
Lastly, the issue of freedom of expression is also tied to the concept of autonomy and respect.While freedom of expression is indispensable for public deliberation and personal autonomy, it also requires individuals to treat each other with respect.This can be a challenge in a diverse society where different cultural norms and values may exist [9], [10].
In light of this, the proliferation of blasphemy on social media platforms has become a serious issue that crosses traditional lines and raises concerns about how to strike a delicate balance between protecting religious sensibilities and allowing free speech.
The advent of social media has indeed introduced a new dimension to the discourse on blasphemy in Indonesia, a country known for its diverse religious and cultural identities.The ease with which information is disseminated online has brought to the forefront a range of challenges, including the rapid spread of blasphemous content that can potentially incite religious tensions.
One of the significant events that highlighted this issue was the Aksi Bela Islam (ABI) or The Peace Action of Defend Islam rally.This rally was a response to perceived inaction by the Indonesian State Police in handling an Islamic blasphemy case.Despite the potential for conflict, the rally was reported to have run peacefully and did not negatively impact the economic sector of Indonesia [11].
However, the role of mainstream media in Indonesia has been criticized for its potential to weaken the democratic process.The media industry's oligarchy has been seen to negatively impact the democratic process, particularly during the Presidential Election of the Republic of Indonesia in 2019.The media's role as a watchdog was questioned, especially in the reporting of events like the Aksi Damai Bela Islam 212, a protest against blasphemy committed by Basuki Tjahaja, or Ahok, who was then the governor of DKI Jakarta [12].
Social media has also been identified as a factor influencing adolescents' adoption of risky behavior [13], and it has changed both producer and consumer behavior worldwide, connecting businesses and customers seamlessly [14].This shows the broad impact of social media on various aspects of Indonesian society.
In the context of religious and cultural identities, studies have shown diverse responses to different religious communities.For instance, the response of religious communities to the existence of Rohingya Muslims in Indonesia varied based on cultural basis and religious relations [15].Furthermore, some students in Indonesian Pesantren (Islamic Boarding School) reported negative attitudes toward English due to their environmental background, socio-cultural awareness, and identities [16].This makes investigating the mechanics of Indonesian law enforcement's campaign against blasphemy on social media platforms essential.The parameters of this inquiry explore how society viewpoints, legal systems, and the changing role of technology influence how people react to online The Easta Journal Law and Human Rights (ESLHR)  blasphemy.It is essential to comprehend these dynamics in order to protect Indonesia's social fabric and to add to the international conversation on how to strike a careful balance between the need to prevent harm and one's right to express oneself.

Legal Framework Indonesia
Indonesia's legal landscape with respect to blasphemy is primarily delineated by the Electronic Information and Transactions (EIT) Law and the Blasphemy Law.The EIT Law, enacted in 2008, governs electronic transactions, including online content, and has been a focal point for addressing digital blasphemy.The EIT Law has been used to protect consumers in online transactions [17], but it has also been used to limit freedom of speech, particularly in relation to criticism of the government [18].This has led to controversy and debate within Indonesian society [18], [19].The law has been criticized for its potential to be used against individuals and minority groups by religious groups, state apparatus, and politicians [20].
The Blasphemy Law, which predates the digital era, has also been subject to extensive legal analysis.It has been argued that the law's vague formulation can be applied to almost all acts related to religion or belief in Indonesia, leading to a broad interpretation and a great deal of discretion in the hands of judges [21].This has resulted in the law being used to target activities and expressions that should be protected [21].Some scholars argue that Indonesia needs to shift from criminalizing blasphemy to eradicating intolerance, discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief [21].The enforcement of these laws in the rapidly evolving landscape of online communication is a complex issue.
Law enforcement agencies must interpret and implement these laws, and there are ongoing debates about how to balance the need for religious harmony with the principles of free speech [18], [21].

Societal Perspectives
Public perceptions and societal attitudes toward blasphemy on social media form a critical dimension of this research.Indonesia's rich tapestry of religions and cultures shapes the discourse surrounding blasphemy.[22], [23]'s work delves into the interplay between religious diversity and public opinion, shedding light on how varying cultural contexts influence the way Indonesians perceive and react to blasphemous content.
Moreover, studies such as [24], [25] 's provide sociological insights into the impact of blasphemy accusations on individuals and communities.These works highlight the potential for social tensions and conflicts arising from online blasphemy and emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics in formulating effective responses.

Technology and Blasphemy
The technological facet of the literature review explores the role of social media platforms and their content moderation mechanisms in addressing online blasphemy.[26], [27] examines the challenges faced by major social media companies in developing effective algorithms for identifying and removing blasphemous content.The tension between global standards of free expression and the need to comply with local regulations, including Indonesia's blasphemy laws, is a recurrent theme in this strand of research.
Furthermore, [27], [28]'s study on the impact of social media on the spread of religious hate speech provides valuable insights into the interconnected issues of blasphemy and hate speech, elucidating the ways in which these phenomena converge and diverge.

METHODS
The present study employs a mixedmethods approach to explore law enforcement against blasphemy on social media in Indonesia.
Specifically, legal analysis, technology assessments, and community surveys are integrated.This multifaceted approach seeks to offer a comprehensive grasp of the opportunities and difficulties related to reducing blasphemy online.
A mixed methods approach acknowledges the need for a nuanced understanding of a problem and integrates qualitative and quantitative research tools.This method makes use of the advantages of both qualitative and quantitative data to enable data triangulation, which strengthens and validates the conclusions.

Legal Analysis
a. Goal: The legal analysis section looks at Indonesia's current legal system that deals with blasphemy on social media.b.Doctrinal Evaluation: There will be a thorough analysis of legal documents, such as the Blasphemy Law and the Electronic Information and Transaction Law (ITE).This involves determining the legal guidelines for dealing with internet blasphemy by examining court decisions, legislative texts, and regulatory papers.
Examples of Cases It will be essential to choose typical incidents of online blasphemy in order to comprehend the practical application of the legal framework.This qualitative investigation will shed light on the difficulties law enforcement organizations encounter while understanding and applying the law.

Social Survey
The

Results
The research findings provide insight into the intricate dynamics of Indonesian law enforcement's fight against blasphemy on social media.

d. Cross Analysis and Integration
The legal, sociological, and technological components' cross-analysis showed intricate linkages and gaps.It has been determined that societal attitudes have a significant role in determining the nature of legal responses, and that differences in viewpoints affect how successful enforcement operations are.While technology provides tools for detection, it struggles to strike a balance between inclusivity and precision, which raises ethical questions.

Balancing Freedom of Expression and Religious Sensitivities
The conversation focuses on the fine line that must be drawn between treating religious sensitivities and defending the right to free speech.The conflicts between legal interpretations, public perceptions, and technical advancements highlight the necessity of a nuanced and culturally aware approach to law enforcement's combat against online blasphemy.According to the study, striking this balance is crucial for Indonesia as well as other nations facing comparable difficulties around the world.

Recommendations for Policy and
Technological Improvements Recommendations for legislators, law enforcement, and technological stakeholders are made in light of the findings.These include of prospective modifications to legislative structures, educational initiatives to promote digital literacy, and improvements to algorithms used for content regulation.The study highlights the necessity of an adaptable and cooperative strategy in which the legal, sociological, and technological aspects inform and enhance one another.

Future Directions
The conversation explores possible directions for future study, highlighting the necessity of continuous evaluations of legal systems, ongoing technical developments, and the changing social situation around online blasphemy.Law enforcement tactics must be flexible and iterative due to the constantly changing nature of technology and cultural views.

Beyond
The knowledge gained from this study will have a big impact on how Indonesian law enforcement combats online blasphemy.Furthermore, the results add to the international conversation about how to reconcile in the digital era between religious sensitivity and freedom of expression.According to the report, Indonesia can teach and mentor other countries who are dealing with comparable issues, promoting a cooperative and intercultural approach to dealing with online blasphemy.

CONCLUSION
In summary, this study sheds light on the complex issues that arise when Indonesian law enforcement attempts to combat blasphemy via social media.The legal analysis highlights the intricacies present in the current frameworks and calls for their reassessment to take into account the fluidity of internet communication.Social surveys highlight the wide range of popular opinions and the complex connection between religious convictions and attitudes on online blasphemy.Technological evaluations show improvements in content moderation but also point up persistent issues with algorithmic accuracy.Effective law enforcement techniques are shaped by the interconnectivity of legal, societal, and technological elements, as shown by the cross-analysis of these variables.
The report offers lawmakers practical suggestions, promoting awareness campaigns, regulatory changes, and improvements to content moderation systems.Acknowledging the need for cultural sensitivity, the results propose a cooperative and flexible strategy in which legal, social, and technological aspects inform and enhance one another.This study gives insights for international conversations on striking a careful balance between the preservation of religious feelings in the digital age and freedom of expression, which is important given Indonesia's current initiatives.
As technology advances and societal viewpoints change, the study emphasizes how crucial it is to have continuous communication and cooperation in order to develop approaches that are not only practical but also considerate of many cultural situations.