Police chief prepares directives for decree

JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi said Saturday he had established a set of directives for the implementation of the controversial government regulation on freedom of expression.

"The regulation was enacted July 24, 1998, that is why the police followed it up by establishing the directives," Roesmanhadi told a media conference. He acknowledged widespread criticism of the regulation, but said the police still had to enforce it.

He dismissed objections that the regulation would suppress people's right to express opinions, but added that the complaint should be submitted to the authorities.

Roesmanhadi argued the regulation was needed because many demonstrations and street protests which occurred recently were followed by destruction, burning and looting which caused material losses.

"The occurrences have caused insecurity on the part of the community, and endangered national unity."

President B.J. Habibie signed the government regulation in lieu of a law on "freedom of expression" on July 24 -- to many observers' great consternation -- but later agreed that the House of Representatives (DPR) would have the final say on whether to make it law.

"(Only) if the regulation is rejected by the House will the government change it," Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus said last week.

According to the 17-article regulation, a police permit is required if a demonstration involves more than 50 people. Street protests are also banned around the presidential palaces, military installations and other vital locations.

Despite harsh protests by observers who called the regulation an infringement of the very principle of freedom of expression, Minister of Justice Muladi and Minister Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto defended the policy.

Both officials argued it was needed to prevent demonstrations from deteriorating into rioting.

Roesmanhadi said the regulation was based on Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution, which states that freedom to assemble and express opinions verbally or through writing is regulated in a law.

He contended that while freedom to assemble was covered in the five laws on politics and freedom to express opinions verbally or through writing regulated in the press law, freedom to express opinions in public had yet to be regulated by a law before the new regulation's arrival.

Roesmanhadi explained to journalists details of the reuglation, including a stipulation that street demonstrators may not bring anything, such as stones or machetes, that might endanger public safety.

Organizers must notify police three days before a demonstration is to be held. The regulation exempts religious and scientific gatherings.

In the letter of notification to the police, organizers must detail the purpose of the demonstration, the venue, format, time, name of organizations holding it, people in charge and "equipments of display" for the activity, he said. (swe/edt)