Demonstrations Spread Against Revision Of The Pilkada Law, Palace: Government Guarantees Freedom Of Opinion

JAKARTA - Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi said the government guarantees freedom of opinion for the community.

"The message that we may have to convey is that we guarantee freedom of expression. Democracy in our country is very open," Hasan said at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, August 22.

The demonstration took place in Jakarta and various other regions today related to the DPR's plan to hold a plenary meeting that would approve the ratification of the revision of the Pilkada Law into law.

Nevertheless, he said, the government also reminded that demonstrations could run in an orderly manner and also avoid disinformation which could result in chaos.

"We hope that all of our roles in democracy can be carried out in good ways. By thinking about the public interest, we hope that everyone avoids disinformation, avoids slander, let alone hatred that can lead to bad things. For example, violence or chaos," Hasan said as quoted by ANTARA.

The palace reminded that the conducive atmosphere must be maintained so that the public and economic interests are not disrupted.

"We must maintain calm so that people live in peace and the wheels of the economy are not disturbed," he said.

In a previous statement, Hasan stated that the government was following the applicable rules regarding the Regional Head Election Act.

"The government is in the same position as before, namely following the applicable rules. As long as there are no new rules, the government will follow the current rules," he said.

He said the DPR had stated that there was no ratification of the Pilkada Bill.

Hasan said that if until August 27, 2024, the Pilkada Bill was not passed, the DPR would follow the final rules, namely the decision of the Constitutional Court.