Protest rallies and public order

Protest rallies and public order

From Koran Tempo

The government's decision to raise fuel prices, telephone tariffs and electricity rates simultaneously has caused strong and widespread reactions as expressed, among various means, through protests by university students and other social components.

By virtue of Law No. 8/1998 on the freedom of expression, protests are legal in Indonesia.

Unfortunately, in some cases, protesters have gone beyond what is permitted by this law. In some regions -- including Jakarta -- protesters have seized fuel trucks and burned tires on the roads, thereby disrupting traffic.

It must be understood that these acts are anarchic and will only disadvantage the public.

Protests must be conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner.

ANDI YUDHA, Tangerang, Banten