The Joke is on the Indonesian National Police

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“The case is the latest example by the authorities to misuse the Information and Electronic Transaction Law to muzzle freedom of speech in Indonesia,” she said in a press statement.

“I also call on law enforcers to keep the public from voicing their opinions” Alissa noted. “After all, freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed in the 1945 Constitution.”

Police overreaction

Amnesty International Indonesia also criticized the police. “The police is overreacting,” said Amnesty Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid. "They also cannot understand freedom of expression.”

Usman noted that the case reflected the increasing threats to freedom of speech. “Their actions will backfire and cost them the public’s trust,” he added. “The National Police’s credibility will be questioned as it is unconstitutional.”

Summons to intimidate the public

Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation [YLBHI] head Asfinawati said the police have overreacted. “The police should summon or arrest an individual for legal process, not coercion or other purposes,” she said.

The YLBHI said it is further investigating the case. 

(Writer: Devina Halim/Editor : Icha Rastika) 

Sources: 

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/06/19/09104691/unggahan-guyonan-gus-dur-kritik-terhadap-polri-hingga-suara-gusdurian?page=all#page2.