Development of Constitutional Court Jurisprudence on Freedom of Religion and the Constitutionality of Legislative Norms

Yustinus Butu

doi:10.55927/fjmr.v5i3.35

Authors

Yustinus Butu Universitas Satya Wiyata Mandala

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v5i3.35

Keywords:

Constitutional Court, Freedom of Religion, Judicial Review, Constitutional Interpretation, Proportionality Doctrine

Abstract

The development of Constitutional Court jurisprudence on freedom of religion holds strategic significance within Indonesian constitutional law, as it directly concerns the protection of constitutional rights and the limits of legislative authority in restricting such rights. Judicial review dynamics, particularly in cases concerning the Law on the Prevention of Blasphemy, Article 156a of the Criminal Code, and the Population Administration Law, reveal an ongoing tension between the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom and considerations of public order. This study aims to analyze the evolution of the Constitutional Court’s doctrinal interpretation of freedom of religion and to assess the consistency of its standards in reviewing the constitutionality of legislative norms over time. The research employs a normative juridical method with a doctrinal approach, utilizing statute, case, conceptual, and historical approaches. Data were collected through library research examining constitutional provisions, statutory regulations, and relevant Constitutional Court decisions, and were analyzed qualitatively using the framework of the proportionality doctrine and comparative constitutional analysis. The findings indicate a gradual shift from a deferential stance toward the legislature to a more robust protection of constitutional rights, particularly in recognizing the rights of adherents of indigenous beliefs, although in certain cases the Court continues to uphold limitations grounded in public order and morality.

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