Police chief prepares directives for decree<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi said
\nSaturday he had established a set of directives for the
\nimplementation of the controversial government regulation on
\nfreedom of expression.<\/p>\n
\"The regulation was enacted July 24, 1998, that is why the
\npolice followed it up by establishing the directives,\"
\nRoesmanhadi told a media conference. He acknowledged widespread
\ncriticism of the regulation, but said the police still had to
\nenforce it.<\/p>\n
He dismissed objections that the regulation would suppress
\npeople's right to express opinions, but added that the complaint
\nshould be submitted to the authorities.<\/p>\n
Roesmanhadi argued the regulation was needed because many
\ndemonstrations and street protests which occurred recently were
\nfollowed by destruction, burning and looting which caused
\nmaterial losses.<\/p>\n
\"The occurrences have caused insecurity on the part of the
\ncommunity, and endangered national unity.\"<\/p>\n
President B.J. Habibie signed the government regulation in
\nlieu of a law on \"freedom of expression\" on July 24 -- to many
\nobservers' great consternation -- but later agreed that the House
\nof Representatives (DPR) would have the final say on whether to
\nmake it law.<\/p>\n
\"(Only) if the regulation is rejected by the House will the
\ngovernment change it,\" Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus
\nsaid last week.<\/p>\n
According to the 17-article regulation, a police permit is
\nrequired if a demonstration involves more than 50 people. Street
\nprotests are also banned around the presidential palaces,
\nmilitary installations and other vital locations.<\/p>\n
Despite harsh protests by observers who called the regulation
\nan infringement of the very principle of freedom of expression,
\nMinister of Justice Muladi and Minister Defense and
\nSecurity\/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto defended the
\npolicy.<\/p>\n
Both officials argued it was needed to prevent demonstrations
\nfrom deteriorating into rioting.<\/p>\n
Roesmanhadi said the regulation was based on Article 28 of the
\n1945 Constitution, which states that freedom to assemble and
\nexpress opinions verbally or through writing is regulated in a
\nlaw.<\/p>\n
He contended that while freedom to assemble was covered in the
\nfive laws on politics and freedom to express opinions verbally or
\nthrough writing regulated in the press law, freedom to express
\nopinions in public had yet to be regulated by a law before the
\nnew regulation's arrival.<\/p>\n
Roesmanhadi explained to journalists details of the
\nreuglation, including a stipulation that street demonstrators may
\nnot bring anything, such as stones or machetes, that might
\nendanger public safety.<\/p>\n
Organizers must notify police three days before a
\ndemonstration is to be held. The regulation exempts religious and
\nscientific gatherings.<\/p>\n
In the letter of notification to the police, organizers must
\ndetail the purpose of the demonstration, the venue, format, time,
\nname of organizations holding it, people in charge and
\n\"equipments of display\" for the activity, he said. (swe\/edt)<\/p>",
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