MAKASSAR - The discussion on the formation of a Task Force (Satgas) for the Prevention and Handling of Demonstrations by the Provincial Government, with the excuse of anticipating a high wave of demonstrations, received a firm response from the Environment Agency (Walhi) South Sulawesi.
"The discussion of the Task Force is the same as suppressing the demonstration, it is an anti-democratic attitude and a violation of human rights or human rights," said the Head of the External Department of Walhi South Sulawesi Rahmat Kottir in Makassar, Wednesday, February 11, reported by ANTARA.
He emphasized that freedom of expression and public expression of opinion such as demonstrations are human rights guaranteed in the constitution.
Article 28E paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution states that everyone has the right to freedom of association, assembly, and expression, and Article 25 of Law number 39 of 1999, everyone has the right to express their opinions in public.
In terms of legislation, said Rahmat, the Governor's decision to form a task force to handle demonstrations is contrary to the constitution and law so that this task force has no legal basis, it will actually be unconstitutional and a violation of human rights.
According to Kottir, the increase in demonstrations in South Sulawesi is due to unhealthy investment increases, the government gives permits to companies without considering social, economic and environmental impacts.
"We assess that the increase in demonstrations in recent years is due to massive investment. The rejection of the community proves that the presence of investment is not in favor of the environment and the community," he emphasized.
In addition, the increasing extractive business in South Sulawesi in the last five years, he added, will also increase the potential for conflicts that may occur. Of course, this will worsen the situation in the region due to investments that do not answer social, economic and environmental problems.
"The occurrence of natural resource conflicts proves that it is more important to invest than the interests of the community. Because, in fact, it does not involve the community in a meaningful and participatory way so that there is a wave of protests," he said.
Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the South Sulawesi Communication, Informatics, Statistics, and Sanitation Service (Diskominfo SP) Muhammad Salim Basmin explained that the discourse on the formation of the Task Force emerged in the Rakor Forkopimda throughout South Sulawesi.
"The Governor received input and advice on the formation of the task force. But the substance of this idea is to open a space for dialogue and aspirations without harming the community and the public interest," he explained.
He said the study was conceptual and had not led to the formation of any operational structures or policies. The South Sulawesi Provincial Government considers public expression of opinion as part of the dynamics of democracy.
The approach discussed focuses on facilitating communication so that the aspirations of the community can be conveyed openly and understood.
Police data in Makassar shows an increase in the number of demonstrations throughout 2025 compared to the previous year, which is considered a social phenomenon that needs to be managed through effective communication and mutual respect.
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