Lawmakers and activists are voicing opposition to an “irrational” draft revision of the Criminal Code (KUHP) that the House of Representatives is set to start considering next week.



One critic said that the proposed revisions threatened personal liberty and might return the nation to medieval times, given provisions providing punishment for those who practice black magic (ilmu hitam).



Article 293 of the revised bill stipulates that individuals who claim to practice or who encourage the practice of black magic can be sentenced to up to five years’ imprisonment or to pay a fine of Rp 300 million (US$30,000).



In bad news for the job prospects for the nation’s dukun (sorcerers or shamans), the article would provide penalties for those who practice black magic for financial gain.



The latest version of the draft, if endorsed, could also infringe on the right...