TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Padang Legal Aid Institute (LBH Padang) director Era Purnama Sari said that the disbandment of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) is against the value of democracy. Era added that the government seems to be taking steps back to the New Order era.
“Going back to the ways of the New Order seems to be the government’s latest trend,” Era told Tempo today.
Era views that the government strives to suppress the freedom of expression and association. This pattern of behavior could actually be implemented towards other organizations that defy the ideas held by the government.
Disbanding a mass organization, according to Era, should be done through the legal system so that the government’s intentions can be scrutinized through the court system.
Previously, Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto released a statement about the government’s intention to disband HTI. The government said that the move is aimed at maintaining Indonesia as a unitary state.
“The activity conducted by HTI has sparked conflicts among society that can potentially disrupt the nation’s security and order,” Wiranto said.
ANDRI EL FARUQI
