FAJAR.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Secretary General of the Indonesian Collaborative Secretariat (SKI), Raharja Waluya regretted the mass rejection of the presence of political observer Rocky Gerung in Sleman, DIY, Wednesday (2/8).
Raharja Waluya Jati said that anyone, including Rocky Gerung, has the right to express his opinion in public.
“Freedom of expression is a right guaranteed by the constitution. So that the case experienced by Rocky Gerung is a violation of his constitutional rights as a citizen,” said Raharja in his statement, Friday (4/8).
The man who is familiarly called Jati said the refusal was an example of unpreparedness in democracy. “Any action to suppress the rights of citizens to express opinions reflects their unpreparedness in accepting democracy,” he continued.
This human rights activist said that different opinions are actually the counterpart or the best modality in seeking the truth.
Jati added that the incident reflected how the state had failed to protect the most basic rights of its citizens.
“If things like this are allowed to happen because of certain political interests or for the perpetuation of power, then it’s just a matter of time for truth seekers who are being suppressed to find their own way,” said Jati.
On the other hand, lolytic communication analyst Hendri Satrio said Jokowi’s volunteers should have learned from the president who was always polite.
“The president’s calm demeanor should be emulated by his supporters. Rarely do we see a president who is angry because of criticism directed at him,” said the man who is familiarly called Hensat when contacted by journalists.
