Natioanl Police issue guidelines on gatherings
Natioanl Police issue guidelines on gatherings
JAKARTA (JP): Police will no longer take reckless action to break-up meetings unless they find evidence of intent to disrupt public order.
National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. IK Ratta told reporters here yesterday that police would first question the organizers before taking any action.
Following the recent issuance of a government ruling abolishing permit requirements for seminars and political meetings, Ratta said, "police won't so be hasty in breaking up gatherings without permits or those which might lead to disturbances."
According to the spokesman, organizers of meetings without permits could get a two-week jail sentence.
The National Police have already issued a technical guideline for their personnel in order to anticipate the implication of the new ruling, which has been in effect since Jan. 1.
The new ruling states that the public can hold any social, cultural or political gathering or meeting as long as they inform the local police seven days prior to the planned event.
The police are required to inform the organizers about whether their application for a permit is accepted at least three days prior to the date of the event.
Three days
"If the police fail to inform the organizers three days before the date of the event, it means that the organizers can go ahead with their plans," Ratta said.
The government has come under intense criticism for its policy requiring meetings involving more than five people to have permits. At least five permit requests were turned down and more than 26 events broken up due to lack of police permits last year.
Directives for street demonstrations and protests will be regulated under separate legislation which is currently being drafted, officials said.
The new ruling classifies three types of meetings; meetings which require permits, meetings which require only notification and meetings which require no notification and no permit.
Events requiring police permission include festivals, bazaars, fairs and carnivals held in public places.
Organizers of political meetings with more than 10 participants to be held outside the premises of the political organization sponsoring the event must inform the local police.
Other gatherings, including birthday parties, wedding parties local and traditional ceremonies need no permits, nor are required to inform the police. (bsr)