Curbing freedom of expression

Curbing freedom of expression

The official habit of issuing instant policies appears to be
lingering in the current Reform Development Cabinet. To manage
even the most weighty issues, the authorities are still inclined
to prefer to cut corners and disregard proper procedures and
public aspirations. The latest example is the issuance of
Government Decree No.21/1998 governing the freedom of expression.

No sooner was it announced than the decree drew sharp
reactions from almost all sides. Critics charged that far from
ensuring any freedom, the decree limits the freedom of citizens
to express their views. Many critics and observers want the
decree either revised or rescinded altogether.

We understand this popular attitude with regard to the new
regulation. In the current climate of reform and amid efforts to
establish a democratic order in this country, the decree appears
extremely aberrant. And it's not only because of its content. The
issuance of the decree also ignored proper procedures and is out
of place in the current political climate.

On the other hand, we do understand why the government has
felt it necessary to issue such a restrictive decree under
present circumstances. The May 13 to May 15 upheavals have
created a national trauma and has left an exceedingly deep impact
on our society -- socially, politically, culturally and
economically.

Nevertheless, the May upheavals cannot be regarded as being
the result solely of our community's disregard of the law.
Rather, it must in all fairness be viewed as a consequence of the
inability of the political and social system that we have been
developing over the past 32 years to accommodate and channel the
potential that is alive in our society.

With regard to this most important matter, we advise the
government to start working out proper draft legislation and
submit it to be discussed openly in the House of Representatives.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta