Flexibility in demo permit

Flexibility in demo permit

From Neraca

A recent report on the revocation of a government regulation in lieu of law (Perpu) on the freedom to express an opinion in public is something to rejoice about. It was also said that people wishing to demonstrate should report "3X24" hours in advance.

What bothers me is the standard procedure set by the police and the sites where it is prohibited to hold demonstrations. We, students of a private university, have experienced the following.

When a few days ago we planned to join a demonstration, we had actually sent a notification to the police via facsimile. However, a friend told me that the police said it was not legal. The legal method is to send a letter of notification.

Perhaps the police need the original letter or some authentic document, so the facsimile is rejected. I think that in this reform era, demonstrations take place spontaneously. This requires rapid notification to the police. I propose that the police be temporarily willing to accept notification by facsimile, with the original letter following. Is this not a reasonable solution?

With regard to the places where demonstrations can be held, they should be strategic sites in the eyes of the people and the government. They should not be strategic only according to the government. Or, all places can be used for demonstrations provided the radius of their locations is limited.

YOGI SUMANTO

Jakarta