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)