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Freedom of expression shrinking during first year of Jokowi’s second term
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A recent survey by pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia found that 69.6 percent of respondents said they felt more afraid than in the past to publicly voice their opinions on current issues, while 73.8 percent of respondents found it more difficult to hold public rallies and demonstrations.
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T
he first year of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s second and final term has been characterized by a shrinking space for freedom of expression, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and rights activists have said.
Komnas HAM commissioner Amiruddin Al-Rahab said the trend was reflected in the many complaints the government-sanctioned independent body had received since late last year.
“Last week, Komnas HAM issued a statement about freedom of expression that appeared to be suppressed. That statement was based on numerous complaints filed with Komnas HAM,” Amiruddin said in a recent webinar.
He urged the government to protect free speech, saying this was a key indicator of the quality of democracy in the country.
A recent survey by pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia found that 69.6 percent of respondents said they felt more afraid than in the past to publicly voice their opinions on current issues, while 73.8 percent of respondents found it more difficult to hold public rallies and demonstrations.
Read also: Growing fear of speaking out: Survey finds Indonesia's civil liberties under threat
The survey, conducted between Sept. 24 and 30 involving 1,200 people across Indonesia, also found that 36 percent of respondents said they believed Indonesia had become “less democratic”.
