Septia’s trial began in September 2024 and continued into December, when the prosecutor demanded a one-year prison sentence and a fine of Rp 50 million. Despite international calls from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, to drop the charges, the prosecutor pursued the case, ignoring widespread calls for an end to the misuse of the UU ITE.

Amnesty International had submitted 81 letters to the Attorney General’s Office in December 2024, urging the dismissal of charges against Septia. Nevertheless, the prosecutor proceeded with the case, demonstrating the ongoing challenges activists and citizens face when confronting legal frameworks that inhibit free speech.

The Indonesian government must now address the broader issue of freedom of expression violations. Between 2019 and 2024, Amnesty International documented over 500 cases where the UU ITE was used to punish individuals for expressing their opinions. These cases have affected hundreds of citizens, illustrating the urgent need for legal reform to ensure that freedom of speech is no longer compromised by overly broad and vague legislation.

In the wake of Septia’s acquittal, advocates for human rights and free speech in Indonesia are hopeful that her case will inspire further efforts to reform the UU ITE and ensure that the rights of individuals to express themselves freely are protected for years to come. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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