Curbing freedom of expression<\/p>\n
The official habit of issuing instant policies appears to be
\nlingering in the current Reform Development Cabinet. To manage
\neven the most weighty issues, the authorities are still inclined
\nto prefer to cut corners and disregard proper procedures and
\npublic aspirations. The latest example is the issuance of
\nGovernment Decree No.21\/1998 governing the freedom of expression.<\/p>\n
No sooner was it announced than the decree drew sharp
\nreactions from almost all sides. Critics charged that far from
\nensuring any freedom, the decree limits the freedom of citizens
\nto express their views. Many critics and observers want the
\ndecree either revised or rescinded altogether.<\/p>\n
We understand this popular attitude with regard to the new
\nregulation. In the current climate of reform and amid efforts to
\nestablish a democratic order in this country, the decree appears
\nextremely aberrant. And it's not only because of its content. The
\nissuance of the decree also ignored proper procedures and is out
\nof place in the current political climate.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, we do understand why the government has
\nfelt it necessary to issue such a restrictive decree under
\npresent circumstances. The May 13 to May 15 upheavals have
\ncreated a national trauma and has left an exceedingly deep impact
\non our society -- socially, politically, culturally and
\neconomically.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the May upheavals cannot be regarded as being
\nthe result solely of our community's disregard of the law.
\nRather, it must in all fairness be viewed as a consequence of the
\ninability of the political and social system that we have been
\ndeveloping over the past 32 years to accommodate and channel the
\npotential that is alive in our society.<\/p>\n
With regard to this most important matter, we advise the
\ngovernment to start working out proper draft legislation and
\nsubmit it to be discussed openly in the House of Representatives.<\/p>\n
-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/curbing-freedom-of-expression-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }