LBH Pers: Entering an Era Where Truth Belongs Only to the Government

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Press Legal Aid Institute (LBH Pers) Director Ade Wahyudi on Thursday criticized the statement made by the Communication and Informatics Minister (Menkominfo) Johnny G. Plate during his appearance in Wednesday’s Mata Najwa interview. 

Ade claims Johnny’s statement shows a decline in democracy. “If the minister’s statement means he generalizes every aspect, then this shows that we have entered an era where the truth belongs only to the government,” said Ade to Tempo on October 15. “And that is not the characteristics of a democratic nation.”

LBH Pers argues that the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) are the source for misinformation regarding the omnibus job creation law as they had not publicized the passed version. 

What statement did the minister make during the TV interview? Johnny stated that the rumors stating that the omnibus law would erase paid leave and severance pay as a blatant hoax. According to him, the government is the only one that knows the substance of the job creation law as they took part in making the decision with members of the DPR. 

“If the government says that it is a hoax then it is a hoax. Why argue anymore?” said Johnny G. Plate after his claims were refuted by YLBHI chairperson Asfinawati.

Read also: Menkominfo Becomes Twitter Trend After Omnibus Law TV Debate

DEWI NURITA