Opening Up About The Mural Contest, National Police Chief Sigit Says Many Are Afraid To Register, Worried About Being Arrested

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit, opens the 2021 Bhayangkara Mural Festival at Bhayangkara Square, South Jakarta (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said the 2021 National Police Chief Cup Mural Festival was initially only attended by 18 people. He said many wanted to register for this competition but they were afraid of being caught by the police.

"When it was opened, only 18 people registered but after (that, ed) we gave space so we don't have to be afraid. Because there are rumors that if we come later, this is a way to find out our identities, so at any time we will be arrested. Argo, announce that there is no such thing. The police are not anti-criticism, so the participants go up to 804," said Listyo when opening the Bhayangkara Mural Festival, Saturday, October 30.

He made sure his men would not arbitrarily arrest critics as long as they comply with the applicable laws and regulations. Moreover, the laws and regulations have regulated freedom of expression.

"Of course, we from the National Police uphold the law. Moreover, it is stated in Law No. 9 concerning independence or freedom of expression in public," said Listyo.

"So this is different compared to the era of the previous order where when the reform of freedom was then opened and of course the people were free to carry out, express their aspirations, expressions, and we have to respect that although there are still things that must be respected in terms of conveying freedom of expression especially those related to the rights of people. others," he added.

Furthermore, he ensured that the National Police would not take any action against expressions that appeared, including in cyberspace. Whatever the expression, whether negative or positive, the Police will appreciate it.

"The Indonesian National Police really respects freedom of expression. Earlier, the President said that Indonesia is a very democratic country and respects freedom of expression. Therefore, we as a Polri institution adhere to the existing rules and directions from the President," he said.

Before ending his speech, Listyo then invited the contestants to express their honest expressions without fear. He even asked his subordinates to include the theme of criticizing Polri's performance in this mural competition.

"I also asked the Head of the Public Relations Division to include a theme of criticism for the Police. So people want to express themselves about the Police, positive is okay because it's motivation for us but negative is also okay because it's part for us to reflect, introspect to change for the better according to people's expectations," he explained. .

Previously, the National Police held a festival or mural art competition for the 2021 National Police Chief Cup, with the theme The Role of the Young Generation to Be Creative in Conveying Positive Information during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This activity was carried out at the Bhayangkara Field. Meanwhile, registration for the competition to win the National Police Chief's Cup has been opened from September 27 to October 17 at the Polda level and October 20, 2021 at the National Police Headquarters.

In addition to being allowed to provide criticism, the National Police also provides a sub-theme in the form of caring for others during the COVID-19 Pandemic, together carrying out health protocols, Indonesia is healthy and strong, free from COVID-19, and together protecting Indonesia.