More interestingly, Article 4 explicitly allows state parties to the covenant to take measures needed in emergency situations that threaten the life of the nation, even if it results in the softening of the state's obligations to the covenant;

in time of public emergency which threatens the life of the nation, and the existence of which is officially proclaimed, the States Parties to the present Covenant may take measures derogating from their obligations under the present Covenant to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, provided that such measures are not inconsistent with their obligations under international law and do not involve discrimination solely on the ground of race, colour, sex, language, religion or social origin

Likewise, Article 29 paragraph (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights allows for limitations on human rights for reasons of respect for the rights and freedoms of others and to meet the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society;

In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order, and the general welfare in democratic society.

In the Indonesian constitution, although Article 28I paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution regulates the prohibition retroactive laws, however, the indication that retroactive laws are permissible due to certain conditions is regulated in Article 28J paragraph (2), which is a provision limiting human rights.

Article 28J paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia states that:

in exercising his rights and freedoms, everyone is obliged to submit to the restrictions stipulated by law solely for the purpose of guaranteeing recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for meeting just demands in accordance with moral considerations, religious values, security, and public order in a democratic society.

However, it should be noted that the provisions of Article 28J paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution regarding restrictions on human rights are still debatable.

In fact, according to the Constitutional Court, the provisions of Article 28I paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution are not absolute. This is emphasized in the legal considerations of Decision Number 065/PUU-II/2004 page 51, the Constitutional Court is of the opinion that: