Unlawful Act (Tort) as an Instrument for the Protection of Private Civil Rights and Individual Human Rights: A Comparative Analysis between Indonesia and Germany

Caelsea Asalyandira Az zahra; Ingrid Bianty Rahmawati; Giovano Allan Loway; M. Almer Fathoni; Darrel Michelin; Radityo Wirananto

doi:10.55227/ijhess.v5i3.2057

Authors

Caelsea Asalyandira Az zahra Universitas Pelita Harapan
Ingrid Bianty Rahmawati Universitas Pelita Harapan
Giovano Allan Loway Universitas Pelita Harapan
M. Almer Fathoni Universitas Pelita Harapan
Darrel Michelin Universitas Pelita Harapan
Radityo Wirananto Universitas Pelita Harapan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhess.v5i3.2057

Keywords:

Unlawful Acts, Individual Human Rights, Indonesian Law, German Law

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the concept and application of Unlawful Acts (Perbuatan Melawan Hukum, PMH) in Indonesian and German civil law as an instrument for protecting civil rights and individual human rights. PMH plays a strategic role as the basis for civil liability, emphasizing not only material compensation but also the protection of non-material rights such as honor, reputation, privacy, and personal integrity. This research employs a normative juridical method with a comparative approach, examining Article 1365 of the Indonesian Civil Code (KUHPerdata) and §823 of the German Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), alongside relevant legal doctrines and court decisions. The findings indicate that Indonesia’s interpretation of “unlawful acts” remains limited and has yet to fully accommodate the protection of non-material rights, while Germany has systematically integrated the protection of personality rights (Persönlichkeitsrechte) and human dignity through the principles of Schutznormtheorie and Allgemeines Persönlichkeitsrecht. The comparison implies the need for doctrinal reform in Indonesia’s PMH framework to strengthen legal protection for modern civil rights violations and align with the principle of human dignity. Therefore, PMH functions not only as a civil liability mechanism but also as an effective tool for the protection and enforcement of individual human rights within private legal relations

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