Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Freedom of Expression Cannot Be Used as an Excuse to Degrade Other Countries!

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang. (Abi/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that freedom of expression cannot be used as an excuse to belittle other countries, violating the principle of mutual respect in relations between countries.

This was emphasized by the Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, regarding the actions of a foreign citizen in front of the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in London, England.

A viral video on social media featuring the antics of a content creator who is also an adult film star Bonnie Blue alias Tia Emma Billinger is suspected of harassing the Indonesian Flag.

In the video in front of the Indonesian Embassy in London, Bonnie slipped the Red and White Flag on the back of her pants, and it seemed to hang to the floor.

The video was narrated after he was deported from Indonesia and fined, following a traffic violation while making content in Bali.

Yvonne said Bonnie Blue's actions "exploited the Indonesian State Symbol, the Red and White Flag, with disrespect."

"We need to emphasize that the Red and White Flag is a symbol of sovereignty, honor and national identity that must be respected by anyone and wherever they are," explained Yvonne in her video statement, Wednesday (24/12).

Yvonne said the Indonesian government regretted the inappropriate action.

"Freedom of expression cannot be used as an excuse to demean the symbols of other countries or to injure the principle of mutual respect in relations between countries," said Yvonne.

The diplomat who served at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in New York ensured that the Indonesian Embassy in London had coordinated intensively with the central government and local authorities in the UK.

"In this regard, the Indonesian Embassy in London has submitted a formal complaint to the relevant authorities in the UK, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the local police for further handling in accordance with the laws, procedures and authorities applicable in the UK," said Yvonne.

"The Indonesian government invites all parties to respond to this issue calmly, wisely, and responsibly and not be provoked by content that has the potential to complicate the atmosphere," he concluded.