Our basic rights

As of the end of 1995 at the latest, permits from the security authorities will no longer be needed for political activities, religious, social and cultural lectures and scientific activities. A notification to the police will be all that is needed.

This plan has been welcomed by many, particularly by those who have experienced difficulties in expressing their views or engaging in activities on the basis of their right to gather and to associate, as guaranteed by Article 28 of the Constitution.

During the past 50 years, we have not been able to translate this article into rules and regulations that could ensure a healthy growth of our Pancasila Democracy and guarantee the basic human rights of our people to express their views and to associate.

We hope that, as we reach a greater maturity as a nation and as a state, our basic rights to gather and to associate for the purpose of expressing opinions can be realized.

-- Surya, Surabaya