The Head Of BEM UI Is Suspected Of Being Threatened, Mahfud MD: Being Carried Out By Officials Means Violating The Constitution, Protests Protected By The Constitution

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Friday, August 18. (Nailin-VOI)

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD spoke about the Chairman of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) Melki Sedek Huang admitted that he received a suspected threat related to his actions that were critical of the Constitutional Court's (MK) decision regarding the minimum age requirements for presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

Not only himself, Melki conveyed that his family in Pontianak, West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan), were also intimidated by the police and the TNI.

"If this is true by the police, it means that it is very unprofessional and violates the constitution. Let alone his parents, Melki himself protested like that, protected by the Basic Law (UUD). The right to express his opinion and attitude," said Mahfud at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Office, Jakarta, Thursday 9 November.

Mahfud said that every citizen has the right to express opinions, including criticism related to the Constitutional Court's decision. He emphasized that every aspiration conveyed in public is protected by the constitution.

"It is permissible for Melki herself, especially those terrorized by her family who are parents in the village, that is not allowed, it is a violation of the principle of professionalism and it should not happen in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia which has a very strict constitution. Both Melki and his parents must be protected," said Mahfud.

Previously, the Head of BEM UI Melki Sedek Huang admitted that he and his family in Pontianak had received threats allegedly because they strongly opposed the Constitutional Court's decision regarding the minimum requirements for presidential and vice-presidential candidates to be changed to 40 years or have experience being a regional head.

"My mother was visited at home by the security forces from the TNI, some from the National Police asked my mother, when did Melki usually return home? What did she do when she was at home? What did she communicate with Melki?" said Melki to reporters, Wednesday, November 8.