LBH Demands Revocation of Regulation Restricting Free Speech
1 November 2015 11:24 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Jakarta) had demanded immediate revocation of the gubernatorial regulation number 228 of 2015 that restricts free speech in public spaces.
"If it’s not immediately revoked, we’re go stage protest against it," said Director of Jakarta Legal Aids Foundation Alghiffari Aqsa to Tempo on Saturday (31/10).
According to Alghiffari, the threat of protest would also be followed by a judicial review to the Supreme Court.
"The Jakarta Legal Aids Foundation will not pay attention to the gubernatorial regulation and we’re ready to be arrested in order to keep the spirit of democracy,” he added.
He also urged Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo to revoke the gubernatorial regulation and impose a sanction to Basuki.
In addition, LBH also asked the Jakarta Regional Council to exercise their inquiry rights or set up a special committee to investigate violation of the constitution committed by Jakarta Governor.
Alghiffari said that the newly issued gubernatorial regulation violated principles of democracy and freedom of expression.
Alghiffari said that in Indonesia, freedom to express opinions is guaranteed and said that the restriction of rights and freedom must refer to article 28J paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution and must be regulated by the law, not by a gubernatorial regulation.
Previously, Basuki told reporters at City Hall on Friday that he issued Gubernatorial Regulation No. 228/2015 because he wanted protesters to behave in a more orderly fashion.
“Demonstrations often cause traffic jams on main roads,” he said.
Article four of the regulation stipulates that protesters will be allowed to stage protests at just three venues: Parkir Timur Senayan at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Alun Alun Demokrasi (democracy plaza) located at the House of Representatives (DPR) complex and Silang Selatan (Southern Cross), located at the National Monument (Monas) park. All three areas are located in Central Jakarta, while Articles five and six of the regulation also state that protests should be conducted between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and that the noise level of the sound system should exceed more than 60 decibels.
VINDRY FLORENTI
