Former Playboy Indonesia chief editor Erwin Arnada finally walked out of prison a free man on Friday following a Supreme Court acquittal. Many greeted his release as a triumph for freedom of the press in this predominantly Muslim country.

Press law is above criminal code

Human rights activist and head of Erwin’s legal team, Todung Mulya Lubis, said Erwin’s acquittal should be considered a triumph for the press because it had set an example that all legal cases concerning the press should refer to the Press Law, not the Criminal Code.

“In Erwin’s case, he was tried under an indecency clause, which is unsuitable for the press,” he said. “This case is good jurisprudence for press cases.” He added that the court had shown commitment to the Press Law.

Press Council member Zulfiani Uni Lubis lauded the court’s decision. Zulfiani said the final verdict meant that journalistic products and journalists could only be charged under the Press Law if there were public lawsuits, setting an example for the future.

“No charges of public indecency have been used against the media in the past 10 years or as long as I have worked as a journalist … This case is an important precedent,” she said.