No, challenging someone to a duel is illegal in Indonesia under Article 184 of the Indonesian Penal Code, which criminalizes dueling as a form of violence. While rare in practice, such acts may also violate the 2026 draft amendments to the Law on Violence Prevention, which broaden penalties for organized or public disturbances.
Key Regulations for Challenging Someone to a Duel in Indonesia
- Article 184 of the Indonesian Penal Code (KUHP) explicitly prohibits dueling, classifying it as a violent act punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment or fines.
- Law No. 23 of 2004 on Violence Against Women may apply if the duel involves gender-based harm, with penalties escalating to 15 years imprisonment.
- Regional Police Circulars (2025-2026) mandate immediate intervention by law enforcement if a duel is proposed, including confiscation of weapons and potential charges under public order statutes.
Perpetrators may face additional charges under the Law on Firearms and Sharp Weapons (No. 12 of 2022), which criminalizes unauthorized possession of weapons used in duels. Even verbal challenges or social media incitements can trigger investigations under Law No. 19 of 2016 on Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE Law), with penalties up to 6 years imprisonment. Courts have historically treated duels as aggravated assault, regardless of mutual consent.