'Freedom of expression' rule goes to House

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi said on Friday it would be "no problem" if legislators decided to reject a proposed government regulation placing restrictions on demonstrations in lieu of a law on freedom of expression "as long as the reasons were clear".

Muladi was introducing government regulation No. 2/1998 for deliberation to the House of Representatives, saying that demonstrations "have frequently caused destruction, looting and burning of shops and buildings belonging to the government and the private sector".

Responding to criticism of the controversial draft rule, Muladi said that while the government did not intend to suppress people from expressing their aspirations, "demonstrations should be orderly and democratic to avoid the feeling of insecurity".

Legislators Usamah Hisyam and Sutradara Ginting separately told The Jakarta Post that while public order needed to be maintained, the regulation's requirements for police notification and permits prior to demonstrations could easily be abused.

"If a permit is required, it could be easily abused to filter the material used (in the demonstration). That wouldn't be freedom anymore," Usamah of the United Development Party said.

Ginting argued that demonstrators should only have to notify police before a rally. "If a permit was requested, the police could just reject it," Ginting of the Commission I for political affairs said.

He argued that the situation was not as urgent as to require a regulation in lieu of a law, saying that a law on freedom of expression should be drafted in tandem with public aspirations.

Other requirements could still be debated, he said, suggesting that responsible parties should be liable for any legal violations during rallies.

One of the draft's most controversial clauses states that demonstrations involving less than 50 people would need prior police notification, while those with more than 50 participants would require police permits. Usamah said the government should allow people to publicly express themselves since they had been severely restricted in the past.

"People have just started to breath in the freedom of expression since the 'reform era' started three months ago. Besides, there are other more important things like ensuring food for the needy."

A public hearing on the bill is scheduled with Muladi next Thursday. Usamah said that if the enforcement of the regulation were postponed, demonstration organizers should keep their rallies peaceful. (01)