How to Report the Crime of Forcible Entry…

How to Report the Crime of Forcible Entry into a House Based on the New Criminal Code

17 Feb 2026 00:00 WIB 17 February 2026 00:00 WIB 5 minutes reading time: 5 minutes 26 read

Someone enters a house/yard without permission and refuses to leave? Refer to Article 257 of the New Criminal Code: elements of the act, threats of 1–2 years, category II–III fines, plus evidence tips and safe steps.

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Question

I live in my own house with my family. Lately, there have been people (sometimes one person, sometimes more) who have repeatedly entered the yard without permission. They have also tried to force their way into the house,giving various reasons: "wanting to collect a debt," "wanting to retrieve an item," or "just wanting to talk for a moment."

What scares me is that even though I have politely asked them to leave, the person persists in staying,sometimes speaking in an intimidating tone. I am worried that this will happen again and my family will not be safe.

My questions are:

In the new Criminal Code, which article regulates people forcing their way into a house/yard, and what is the threat of punishment?
If the person does not damage the door, but still enters and refuses to leave after being asked to leave, can they still be prosecuted?
If they make threats or act frighteningly, is the threat of punishment more severe?

Brief Answer

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In the New Criminal Code, the act of forcibly entering a house/enclosed room/enclosed yard, or being inside unlawfully and not leaving immediately after being requested by the entitled party, is regulated in Article 257 paragraph (1). The maximum penalty is 1 year imprisonment or category II fine.

The New Criminal Code also explains examples that are considered “forcible entry”, such as entering by damaging/climbing, using false keys, false orders, false official uniforms, or entering without the knowledge of the entitled party and being caught there at night.

If the perpetrator issues threats or uses means that are intimidating, the criminal penalty increases: maximum imprisonment of 2 years or category III fine (and if committed jointly by 2 or more people, the penalty can be increased by 1/3).

Full Review

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Table of Contents

Article 257 of the New Criminal Code Protects “Safe Spaces”: Houses, Enclosed Rooms, and Enclosed Yards
“Not Damaging the Door” Does Not Mean Safe: The Key Lies in Acting Against Will and the Request to Leave
Examples of Ways to “Force Entry” That Are Considered Aggravating
If There is a Threat or Intimidation: The Legal Sanction Increases (Article 257 paragraph (3))
If Arriving in a Group and Conspiring: The Sentence Can Be Increased by 1/3 (Article 257 paragraph (4))
How Much are Category II and III Fines?
Safe Practical Steps for Victims

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Legal Literacy - Cases like the one you described actually happen quite often, especially in social conflicts: excessive debt collection, house/inheritance disputes, parking/neighbor issues, or work conflicts that are "brought" home. What complicates matters for victims is usually not just fear, but also confusion: "If I report it, what article applies? Do I have to wait until there is damage first?"

Now, the New Criminal Code provides a clear foundation through Article 257.

Article 257 of the New Criminal Code Protects “Safe Spaces”: Houses, Enclosed Rooms, and Enclosed Yards

Article 257 paragraph (1) essentially prohibits two forms of action:

Forced entry into a house, enclosed room, or enclosed yard used by another person.
Already being inside unlawfully, then not leaving immediately after being asked by the entitled party or their representative.

This is important for victims because many incidents do not involve "breaking down doors," but rather someone already entering first, and then refusing to leave and persisting when asked to leave.

The sanction for this basic form is imprisonment for a maximum of 1 year or a fine of Category II.

“Not Damaging the Door” Does Not Mean Safe: The Key Lies in Acting Against Will and the Request to Leave

Many victims hesitate because the perpetrator does not damage the door or break anything. However, this article does not require damage.

Within the framework of Article 257, the main focus is:

the perpetrator entering/being present against the will of the entitled person, or
the perpetrator persisting despite being asked to leave by the entitled party.

In practice, the element of “being asked to leave” often becomes an important point of proof. This means that if you have clearly asked the person to leave, and they refuse and remain in place, it is not just a matter of “etiquette”—but it could become a relevant legal element.

However, this does not mean you have to confront the perpetrator alone. The request to leave can be done safely: while maintaining distance, witnessed by neighbors, or through the assistance of local security officers.