Creating Dialogue

Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo

Students from various universities flock to Jl. Gatot Subroto to take part a demonstration in front of the Senayan Legislative Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (24/9/2019). The demonstrators were objecting to problematic articles in a bill to revise the Criminal Code Bill and were demanding that the recently approved revisions of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law be revoked.

The student protests that were held in various cities over several controversial draft bills were caused by communication problems.

The people’s aspirations were not heard. The plan to approve these draft bills for passing into law have led to several protests. The draft Criminal Code Bill (RKUHP), which was originally scheduled for approving on Tuesday, 24 Sept. 2019, was finally postponed upon the request of President Joko Widodo. The House of Representatives granted the request.

The RKUHP is believed to restrict civil freedoms, reduce punishment for convicted corruptors and allows the state to meddle in the private affairs of its citizens. On the other hand, the government has claimed that several articles in the draft bill were misperceived.

This is actually the root of the problem. The public has not been involved!

In addition to the RKUHP, the House has also postponed approving the Correctional Facilities Bill, which is perceived to make it easier for corruption convicts to claim their rights, including furlough and conditional releases. The public has also perceived an interconnection between the revised Law No. 30/2002 on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the KPK leadership selection process, as well as the deliberations of the RKUHP and the Correctional Facilities Bill, as a wide-ranging effort to help corruptors.

Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo

Students from various universities flock to Jl. Gatot Subroto to take part a demonstration in front of the Senayan Legislative Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (24/9/2019). The demonstrators were objecting to problematic articles in a bill to revise the Criminal Code Bill and were demanding that the recently approved revisions of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law be revoked.

Lawmakers have responded to the public outcry over most of these draft bills, excepting the revised KPK Law. Constitutional paths still remain open for revoking the newly approved KPK Law, such as a judicial review at the Constitutional Court (MK) or the issuance of a perppu (government regulation in lieu of law). As a matter of fact, the newly selected KPK chair does not meet the age requirement in the new KPK Law.

We urge the House and the government to create dialogue and communicate with the public. Avoid all potential for violence. Everyone must exercise restraint. Hearing the public’s aspirations is the constitutional obligation of lawmakers. The government, including President Jokowi himself, must communicate with all elements of society. It is time for the President to focus on not only infrastructure development but also judicial development.

To borrow form senior journalist Jakob Oetama, we are living in a society that is insincere. Public trust is low. This is exacerbated by the many interpretations and opinions that have mushroomed on social media. Truth is defined by the recipient’s individual beliefs.

We urge the use of dialogue to resolve the difference of opinion. Communication is necessary to create mutual understanding and develop democracy. The nation needs moral figures who possess integrity to convey credible messages of nationalism.

KOMPAS/SAMUEL OKTORA

Hundreds of university students grouped under the Alliance of People Taking Legal Action Against the State stage a rally on Tuesday (23/9/2019) at the Bandung Municipal Legislative Council (DPRD) in West Java. They demanded that the local council reject the revised Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law, the Criminal Code bill (RKUHP) and the bill on eliminating sexual violence.