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)