Delay freedom of expression regulation: DPA

Delay freedom of expression regulation: DPA

JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) yesterday
recommended the government postpone its controversial regulation
on the freedom of expression until it was endorsed by the House
of Representatives.

"It should not come into effect until it is endorsed by the
House," DPA chairman A.A. Baramuli was quoted as saying by Antara
after meeting Minister of Justice Muladi, National Police Chief
Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi and members of the National Commission on
Human Rights at his office in Central Jakarta.

President B.J. Habibie signed government regulation No. 2/1998
on July 24 in lieu of a law on "freedom of expression". The move
drew public criticism, later prompting the President to announce
that the House would have the final say on whether to make it
law.

According to the 17-article regulation, a police permit is
required if a demonstration involves more than 50 people. Street
protests are also banned around presidential palaces, military
installations and other sensitive sites. (byg)