Government issues decree on freedom of expression<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has signed a government
\nregulation in lieu of a law on \"freedom of expression\" that
\ngoverns requirements for street demonstrations.<\/p>\n
Minister of Justice Muladi announced yesterday evening that
\nthe regulation was urgently needed to maintain national security
\nand order but, at the same time, also to assure freedom of
\nexpression for all citizens.<\/p>\n
He emphasized that the regulation was not meant to silence
\ngovernment critics nor to restrict human rights but to prevent
\nuncontrollable situations and to enforce the law.<\/p>\n
He cited how street demonstrations often ended out of control,
\nresulting in destruction, burning and looting, which in turn
\ncaused widespread losses.<\/p>\n
Those incidents spread \"public fear and endangered national
\nunity,\" he said after meeting Habibie at the Bina Graha
\npresidential office.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, Muladi was accompanied by Minister of
\nDefense\/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto and Minister\/State
\nSecretary Akbar Tandjung.<\/p>\n
According to the four-chapter, 17-article regulation, a police
\npermit is required for a street demonstration if it involves more
\nthan 50 people.<\/p>\n
\"If other people join your demonstration and the number of
\nprotesters then exceeds 50, you simply ask the rest to leave your
\ngroup,\" Muladi told journalists.<\/p>\n
According to chapter 11, the police must give an official
\nanswer to any request for a permit. The demonstration can be
\nconducted three days after the permit is issued.<\/p>\n
The police must also be informed at least 24 hours in advance
\nif demonstrations are canceled, apparently to prevent the
\nunnecessary deployment of police officers.<\/p>\n
Street protests will not be allowed on public holidays or at
\nnight.<\/p>\n
\"They (demonstrations) cannot be carried out in front of the
\npresidential palace, places of worship, military installations,
\nhospitals, harbors or airports, train and land transportation
\nstations and other vital locations,\" the decree says.<\/p>\n
\"In other places, including in front of my own office or at
\nthe Ancol recreational park you are free to express your
\nopinions,\" Muladi said.<\/p>\n
The minister said the regulation would remain valid until the
\nHouse of Representatives ratifies the bill. The government plans
\nto submit the document for House deliberation soon.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that massive demonstrations had played a major
\nrole in bringing reform to the country, and in ushering in the
\nnew administration.<\/p>\n
But, he also cautioned, national stability was also urgently
\nneeded now to restore international confidence in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Human rights activists were outraged when Muladi announced the
\nplan early this month. They said the policy was aimed at
\nsilencing dissidents.<\/p>\n
Among the critics was Marzuki Darusman, the deputy chairman of
\nthe National Commission on Human Rights. Muladi himself was a
\ncommission member before he became a minister. (prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/government-issues-decree-on-freedom-of-expression-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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