Yusril says government pleased if academics' criticism becomes sharper

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Services Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that the sharper the criticism from academics towards the government, the happier the government would be.

According to Yusril, sharp criticism enables the government to review and re-examine policies that have been issued.

“So, the government never views critics as enemies. Especially in my case, as I am fundamentally an academic,” Yusril said when met in Jakarta on Saturday.

The same applies to President Prabowo Subianto, who, according to Yusril, greatly welcomes criticism of the government. Therefore, in principle, academics are free to criticise.

Regarding the constitutional law expert from Andalas University, Feri Amsari, who has been reported to the police for his criticism of the government’s food self-sufficiency policy, Yusril said the police are processing the report as part of their duties and functions. Thus, the police cannot reject the report.

Nevertheless, he will advise the police to conduct clarifications on the submitted report.

“First, hear from the reporter, and Mr Feri can be called in for questioning. So, it’s impossible for there to be a report and the police to remain silent; otherwise, the police could be sued,” he stated.

He said that the delivery of criticism must be understood by both parties, both the one delivering it and the one being criticised. The critic must behave well, and the recipient of the criticism must be prepared to accept it.

“The law must be enforced as fairly as possible, but we must also maintain ethics in giving criticism so that it can be done in a refined manner,” said Puan after a plenary session at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/4).

Puan believes that the criticised party will make improvements if the criticism is delivered well, meaning constructive criticism.

Recently, the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Tani Nusantara reported Feri Amsari to the Metro Jaya Regional Police regarding his statements in a discussion on food self-sufficiency.

The Advocacy Team of LBH Tani Nusantara, Itho Simamora, assessed that the statements were inciting and potentially causing unrest among farmers and business actors.

“The statements are deemed to trigger public anxiety,” he said at the Metro Jaya Regional Police on Friday (17/4).