Human rights activist Asfinawati clarified that the concept of hate speech, as understood within a human rights framework, does not pertain to personal animosity towards individuals. Instead, it addresses expressions of hatred rooted in systemic biases concerning race, religion, and other protected characteristics. This understanding of hate speech is also reflected in Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP). Asfinawati’s explanation centers on the broader implications of hate speech for societal groups, rather than isolated incidents of interpersonal conflict. The focus is on expressions that incite discrimination or violence against communities based on their identity. This interpretation is crucial for the effective implementation and application of hate speech laws. It emphasizes addressing the underlying causes of prejudice rather than solely punishing individual expressions of dislike.