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