Government Criticism Mural Appears After '404: Not Found', Observers Support Control

JAKARTA – Vandalism has recently become a public spotlight because of the mural Jokowi '404: Not Found. What's interesting is that contemporary art graffiti contains more criticism of the government. Telematics expert Roy Suryo highlighted this polemic.

“This is not a "Cebong" or "Kampret" problem anymore, but the majority of the Indonesian people. When official communication channels are closed and social media is threatened with the ITE Law, mural art that has existed since the Greek era is also being used.” explained former Democrat politician Roy Suryo, via text message, Tuesday, August 24.

Roy considers it (the mural criticism of the government) legitimate, according to him it is a means of democracy.

"It's fine as a means of democracy, as long as it still prioritizes the elements of the art of communication, so that it can still be enjoyed visually, not vandalism," he added.

Previously, a mural with inscriptions ridiculing President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) took place at a petrol station in Pacitan. In addition, vandalism also occurred at the PDI Perjuangan Branch Office (DPC) in Pacitan Regency.

"In this case, I support controlling, vandalistic graffiti like this (which is usually done using only portable spray paint)," said Roy, looking at his twitter account.