Luhut Pandjaitan at Defamation Trial: There Is No Absolute Freedom
Translator
Editor
8 June 2023 19:22 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan stated during his defamation trial against activists Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday, June 8, 2023, that freedom of expression is not absolute.
“We can do anything but we have to be responsible. There is no absolute freedom,” Luhut said before the judges.
He also mentioned Haris and Fatia's lawyers. “I’d like to say to the young lawyers as well that you must work responsibly,” he added.
Luhut has finally appeared at today’s trial of Haris and Fatia. He was initially scheduled to attend the trial held on Monday, May 29, 2023. However, he was reportedly abroad for state duties.
According to one of the security officers, Luhut arrived at the East Jakarta District Court at 8 a.m. The security measure was tightened due to his presence that the media crews were prohibited from entering the court area.
Based on Tempo's observation at 9:30 a.m., there was a minor confrontation between the media crew, lawyers, court visitors, and security officers as people were barred from entry. “The trial was said to be open [trial],” the crowds questioned.
When the two defendants set foot at the court. Only a few media were allowed to enter.
Luhut reported the two prominent activists to Metro Jaya Police after they discussed a report related to mining business activities in Wabu Block in Papua in a YouTube video.
Haris who is the executive director of Lokataru Foundation and Fatia, coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), suspected Luhut to be involved in the controversial project.
Haris Azhar and Fatia were considered to have made one-sided statements for mentioning Luhut Pandjaitan in the mining business in Papua. Luhut denied the claims and then filed a police report against them over defamation.
DESTY LUTHFIANI
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