The 2023 Indonesian Criminal Code introduces important updates, including more human rights protection such as criminalizing torture and the reform of the regulation of the death penalty. While these changes show progress, the new Criminal Code doesn’t fully align with the human rights standards. Recent findings from the UPR 4th cycle-41st session highlight ongoing concerns around freedom of expression, capital punishment, torture, and other fundamental rights. This article will discuss these issues and the important roles that civil society and academia play in advocating stronger human rights protection on the new code. Civil Society groups and academic experts have been key in pushing these reforms. Their combined efforts help ensure that the code moves closer to international standards. While the code shows some improvements, continued support and advocacy from both civil society and academics are needed to address its gaps in human rights protections.