Daijiworld Media Network - Jakarta (SHP)
Jakarta, Sep 3: In a move that would slam freedom of speech, the Indonesian government is putting into motion an archaic law.
In September, the Indonesian government will revise its penal code. The law will criminalize contempt of president, vice-president, state agencies and the court.
A law such as this was followed 350 years ago under Dutch rule. This restricted contempt of the Dutch royal family. However, once Indonesia attained freedom in 1946, the law was revised. As per sources, the law is back again into motion to uphold the dignity of the president.
Although the new law is aimed at maintaining respect for the president and vice-president, critics believe this would impact negatively on democracy. It is being viewed by people as a means to smother media freedom and wipe out political rivals.