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Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation Warns Against New Disinformation Bill
The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has issued a stark warning against the government’s proposed Bill on the Prevention of Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda, arguing that it fundamentally contradicts the country’s constitutional protections for free expression.
In a statement released Thursday, the foundation outlined how the draft legislation could potentially violate Articles 28E and 28F of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which explicitly guarantee citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
“The Constitution clearly states that everyone has the right to seek, obtain, possess, store, process, and convey information through all available channels,” a YLBHI representative explained, referencing Article 28F. “This bill threatens to undermine those fundamental guarantees.”
The organization expressed particular concern that the legislation could become a mechanism for silencing government critics. “We view this plan as specifically targeting critical citizens, controlling information, and cutting off funding and support for civil society organizations,” YLBHI stated in its written assessment.
YLBHI directly connected the bill to President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, suggesting it reflects a pattern of intolerance toward public scrutiny. According to the foundation, officials close to Prabowo have frequently responded to criticism by alleging foreign influence, a narrative that appears to be codified in the proposed legislation.
“This is part of a government increasingly resistant to criticism and dismissive of citizens and civil society organizations raising factual issues,” the statement continued, highlighting what YLBHI sees as a troubling trend in governance.
The scope of potential targets extends beyond civil society groups, according to YLBHI. The foundation warned that opposition political parties, academics, and journalists could all face restrictions under the new law, creating a chilling effect on democratic discourse throughout Indonesian society.
In its critique, YLBHI also raised procedural concerns, noting that the bill was not included in the established National Legislative Program, raising questions about transparency and proper legislative process. The foundation cited unspecified problems with the academic draft that forms the basis of the legislation.
The bill is currently under development at the Ministry of Law, according to Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra. “The draft is with Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas. I haven’t read it myself, so I can’t answer any questions yet,” Yusril told Tempo earlier this week.
Attempts to obtain comments from Minister Supratman have been unsuccessful, with the official not responding to media inquiries as of Tuesday evening.
The proposed legislation emerges amid growing global debates about misinformation and foreign influence in democratic processes. Similar laws have been implemented in various countries, often generating controversy regarding their impact on civil liberties and press freedom.
Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, has struggled to balance concerns about misinformation with its constitutional commitments to free expression. The country has seen several high-profile cases involving the Information and Electronic Transactions Law, which critics say has been misused to target political opponents and activists.
YLBHI concluded its statement with a call to action, urging the government to abandon the bill and encouraging public resistance. “YLBHI calls on the government to stop this plan and urges the public to understand and collectively resist this dangerous initiative,” the foundation stated.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between security concerns and civil liberties in Indonesia’s evolving democracy, with civil society groups maintaining vigilance against potential restrictions on constitutional freedoms.
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7 Comments
This disinformation bill raises serious concerns about the state of press freedoms and civil liberties in Indonesia. As an observer of the mining industry, I hope this legislation does not undermine the transparency and accountability that are vital for responsible resource development.
I’m surprised to see this kind of legislation proposed in Indonesia, given the country’s commitments to human rights and free speech. It will be important to closely monitor how this bill evolves and any potential impacts on the mining industry.
This is concerning. The proposed disinformation bill in Indonesia seems like a worrying attempt to stifle free expression and criticism of the government. Robust public discourse is essential for a healthy democracy.
I agree, this legislation could set a dangerous precedent if enacted. Silencing critics and civil society organizations is a slippery slope that must be avoided.
While the stated intent of this bill may be to counter foreign propaganda, the potential for misuse to silence domestic critics is very concerning. Indonesia must uphold its democratic principles and protect the rights of its citizens, including those working in the mining sector.
As an investor in mining and commodities, I’m curious to see how this disinformation bill could impact the industry and related equities in Indonesia. Free flow of information is crucial for well-functioning markets.
That’s a good point. Any restrictions on transparency and public discourse could introduce uncertainty and risk for businesses and investors operating in Indonesia’s mining and resources sectors.