TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) publicly voiced its opposition against the revision of the Penal Code Law (RKUHP) on contempt against the president which is currently being handled by DPR legislators.

PSI chairperson Tsamara Amany argues that this specific draft law could potentially injure one of the aspects in democracy; the freedom to express opinions.

“The Article can potentially become a ‘rubber band law’ and getting in the way of a healthy public discourse,” said Amany in a statement on June 8.

She asserts that the PSI does not see any relevance in such a law amidst the era of democracy and fears it will be a setback for Indonesia’s democracy if the House passes the law.

“Criticism should be responded with real work, not the threat of imprisonment,” she said. “That is exactly what the House of Representatives should be doing. If there is criticism against the DPR, respond by improving your performance.”

The Article on contempt against the president and vice president has emerged again in the latest draft penal code law and could get a person up to 3.5 years in prison for contempt, disdain, or insulting the two leaders of the country. It is also stated that those who insult state symbols such as House members will also be faced with a 2-year imprisonment.

DEWI NURITA