Combating Morality-Related Cybercrime in Indonesia: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Future Directions of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law

Asrullah Dimas; Amir  Faisal; Muhammad  Fachri; Ahmad  Syahird

doi:10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.6095

Asrullah Dimas Universitas Almarisah Madani , Indonesia
Amir Faisal Universitas Sulawesi Tenggara , Indonesia
Muhammad Fachri Universitas Tamalatea Makassar, Indonesia
Ahmad Syahird Universitas Megarezky, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.6095

Keywords: UU ITE, Immorality Crimes, Social Media, Legal Effectiveness, Law Enforcement

Abstract

The rise of morality-related crimes on social media has raised significant concerns due to their rapid, widespread, and difficult-to-control dissemination. This situation demands the effective enforcement of Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (UU ITE), as amended by Law No. 19 of 2016, which serves as the primary legal instrument for addressing morality-based cybercrimes. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the application of the ITE Law in handling morality-related offenses on social media and to identify the factors hindering its implementation. The research employs an empirical legal method with a normative-empirical approach. The fieldwork was conducted in Makassar, focusing on the Regional Police (POLDA/POLRES), the Prosecutor’s Office, and the District Court, complemented by library research at the Faculty of Law, Hasanuddin University. Data were analyzed qualitatively to provide insights into law enforcement practices and the challenges encountered. The findings indicate that the ITE Law has provided a clear legal basis for prosecuting digital morality crimes, including firm sanctions and penalties. However, its effectiveness is constrained by several factors: (1) legal aspects, such as ambiguous provisions and a lack of technical regulations; (2) law enforcement aspects, including limited capacity and professionalism; (3) infrastructure aspects, particularly the absence of adequate digital forensic facilities; and (4) societal aspects, such as low levels of legal and digital literacy. These obstacles undermine the optimal protection of society. In conclusion, the application of the ITE Law is relatively effective in normative terms but remains suboptimal in practice. Strengthening regulations, enhancing law enforcement capacity, improving infrastructure, and promoting public education are necessary to ensure more effective, adaptive, and equitable enforcement.

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