PCO: Demo Is Guaranteed By Law, But Anarchism Is Not Freedom Of Opinion

Police chased out demonstrators in the DPR/DOK PHOTO building area: Bambang E Ros-VOI

Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi stated that the government respects the people's right to express opinions through demonstrations.

Hasan said freedom of expression is a right guaranteed by law, but does not include acts of anarchy or destruction of public facilities.

"Freedom of opinion is never prohibited, people want to show their aspirations are guaranteed by law, but damaging (public facilities, ed) is not guaranteed by law," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 26.

Hasan ensured that the aspirations of the mass action had been conveyed to related parties, especially the DPR, while reminding demonstrations to continue in an orderly manner without harming other communities.

"If the government sees the demonstration as an effort to express its aspirations, but don't destroy it, don't disturb order, don't harm the interests of others," he said.

The demonstration, which was held by a group called the Student Movement with the People around the DPR building on Monday (25/8) afternoon, ended in chaos.

Masses from various elements of society, including uniformed students, tried to break through the ranks of the authorities to close the inner-city toll roads.

The situation got hotter when a number of students threw stones at officers and carried the political party's flag. The authorities then dispersed the crowd with tear gas shots and water sprays.

This action was motivated by demands for the high salary and allowances of DPR members which were said to exceed Rp. 100 million.