Yearning for Government Consistency

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Residents exercise in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Senayan, Jakarta, November 8, 2020. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, residents avoid the risk of transmission by wearing masks, keeping their distance, avoiding crowds, and washing their hands frequently.

Every person must respect the rights of others to ensure social harmony, public order, and national order.

Article 28J Point 1 of the 1945 Constitution clearly stipulates that an individual may not exercise their rights by ignoring, undermining or even denying the rights of another. The government should guarantee that each citizen respects each other’s rights.

Also read: Evaluate Categories of Health Protocol Violations

Article 28J Point 2 of the 1945 Constitution reinforces this message, which states: “In exercising his/her rights and freedoms, every person shall have a duty to accept the restrictions established by law for the sole purpose of guaranteeing the recognition of and respect for the rights and freedoms of others, and of satisfying just and fair demand in consideration of morality, religious values, securi-ty and public order in a democratic society.”

The citizens of this country have rights and freedoms, including the right to and freedoms of speech, assembly, and association. However, there are no unlimited freedoms because we must respect the rights and freedoms of others. When exercising their rights and freedoms, an individual must abide by the existing laws and regulations, as well as sociocultural values. The state has the authority to regulate and protect citizens at all levels of society.

Also read: One Indonesia to Combat Covid-19

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Residents who do not comply with health protocols undergo social punishment by sweeping the road during a justisi operation in the Bukit Duri area, South Jakarta, November 4, 2020.

Nevertheless, the news media, social media, and even ordinary citizens have been questioning the government in guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of all citizens this past week. The government, particularly the executive branch, is giving the impression that it is incapable of exercising its authority over citizens or groups that act outside the law, even to the extent that they ignore the rights and freedoms of others. It is also giving the impression that the government is allowing certain citizens and groups to abuse the law to cause social unrest.

Since March, when the COVID-19 outbreak emerged in Indonesia, the government has implemented the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in accordance with Law No. 6/2018 on health quarantines. This law requires all citizens to follow the health protocols, including wearing a mask, physical distancing, and washing hands regularly with soap. Large gatherings are prohibited, even if it is for the intended purpose of earning an income, work, or business activities.

Also read: The COVID-19 Awareness Challenge

Any and all offenses must be punished with sanctions ranging from laying in an empty coffin to hefty fines, and up to criminal charges, as in the case of Tegal Legislative Council Deputy Speaker Wasmad Edi Susilo for drawing large crowds to a dangdut concert that was held during his son’s wedding in September.

However, it is perceived that the government has been unable to enforce the law in the face of alleged health protocol violations. The government has been inconsistent in enforcing its own laws, even though the Constitution guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law.