Police chief prepares directives for decree
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)