Infringement on personal freedom
Infringement on personal freedom
On Oct. 22, 2001, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso left for Europe on
a much criticized 10-day visit. On Oct. 26 the Ministry of
Religious Affairs arbitrarily declared that all discotheques in
the nation must close during the fasting month of Ramadhan. On
the same date, Deputy Governor Abdul Kahfi stated that all
entertainment centers would be allowed to stay open with some
restrictions. Restaurants are not subject to this restriction.
On Nov. 6, upon returning from his European visit, the Jakarta
Governor was to issue a decree banning the sale of alcohol during
Ramadhan, including in restaurants and cafes.
This is the third consecutive year that Sutiyoso has
hypocritically reversed previous decisions regarding legitimate
entertainment businesses, with a detrimental effect on their
employees' livelihood. What has happened to human rights and the
ideals of Pancasila that are far more important than these
archaic and backward restrictions on personal freedom?
While it is the right of every individual to follow the
dictums of their respective religion, it is offensive and
unethical to command that all peoples must follow, due to one
group's intolerance. We are all aware of the pressure and
terrorist tactics used by a small, violent fanatic minority. Is
it too much to ask that the government use common sense and
proper ethics to protect the laws of the nation?
Furthermore, it is painfully obvious that there is no
communication within the city government and its various
departments and "leaders". As the government is discussing direct
presidential elections, it should look into direct elections of
the governor and the councillors also.
I, and many of my acquaintances, will take our holiday money
and go to another country while these sanctimonious, dictatorial
restrictions are forced upon the whole of the population.
BRIEN D
Jakarta
On Oct. 22, 2001, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso left for Europe on
a much criticized 10-day visit. On Oct. 26 the Ministry of
Religious Affairs arbitrarily declared that all discotheques in
the nation must close during the fasting month of Ramadhan. On
the same date, Deputy Governor Abdul Kahfi stated that all
entertainment centers would be allowed to stay open with some
restrictions. Restaurants are not subject to this restriction.
On Nov. 6, upon returning from his European visit, the Jakarta
Governor was to issue a decree banning the sale of alcohol during
Ramadhan, including in restaurants and cafes.
This is the third consecutive year that Sutiyoso has
hypocritically reversed previous decisions regarding legitimate
entertainment businesses, with a detrimental effect on their
employees' livelihood. What has happened to human rights and the
ideals of Pancasila that are far more important than these
archaic and backward restrictions on personal freedom?
While it is the right of every individual to follow the
dictums of their respective religion, it is offensive and
unethical to command that all peoples must follow, due to one
group's intolerance. We are all aware of the pressure and
terrorist tactics used by a small, violent fanatic minority. Is
it too much to ask that the government use common sense and
proper ethics to protect the laws of the nation?
Furthermore, it is painfully obvious that there is no
communication within the city government and its various
departments and "leaders". As the government is discussing direct
presidential elections, it should look into direct elections of
the governor and the councillors also.
I, and many of my acquaintances, will take our holiday money
and go to another country while these sanctimonious, dictatorial
restrictions are forced upon the whole of the population.
BRIEN D
Jakarta