Government issues decree on freedom of expression

Government issues decree on freedom of expression

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has signed a government
regulation in lieu of a law on "freedom of expression" that
governs requirements for street demonstrations.

Minister of Justice Muladi announced yesterday evening that
the regulation was urgently needed to maintain national security
and order but, at the same time, also to assure freedom of
expression for all citizens.

He emphasized that the regulation was not meant to silence
government critics nor to restrict human rights but to prevent
uncontrollable situations and to enforce the law.

He cited how street demonstrations often ended out of control,
resulting in destruction, burning and looting, which in turn
caused widespread losses.

Those incidents spread "public fear and endangered national
unity," he said after meeting Habibie at the Bina Graha
presidential office.

During the meeting, Muladi was accompanied by Minister of
Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto and Minister/State
Secretary Akbar Tandjung.

According to the four-chapter, 17-article regulation, a police
permit is required for a street demonstration if it involves more
than 50 people.

"If other people join your demonstration and the number of
protesters then exceeds 50, you simply ask the rest to leave your
group," Muladi told journalists.

According to chapter 11, the police must give an official
answer to any request for a permit. The demonstration can be
conducted three days after the permit is issued.

The police must also be informed at least 24 hours in advance
if demonstrations are canceled, apparently to prevent the
unnecessary deployment of police officers.

Street protests will not be allowed on public holidays or at
night.

"They (demonstrations) cannot be carried out in front of the
presidential palace, places of worship, military installations,
hospitals, harbors or airports, train and land transportation
stations and other vital locations," the decree says.

"In other places, including in front of my own office or at
the Ancol recreational park you are free to express your
opinions," Muladi said.

The minister said the regulation would remain valid until the
House of Representatives ratifies the bill. The government plans
to submit the document for House deliberation soon.

He acknowledged that massive demonstrations had played a major
role in bringing reform to the country, and in ushering in the
new administration.

But, he also cautioned, national stability was also urgently
needed now to restore international confidence in Indonesia.

Human rights activists were outraged when Muladi announced the
plan early this month. They said the policy was aimed at
silencing dissidents.

Among the critics was Marzuki Darusman, the deputy chairman of
the National Commission on Human Rights. Muladi himself was a
commission member before he became a minister. (prb)