For Me, Freedom of Speech in Indonesia: Bullshit! Government is a Liar!
I Lived in Indonesia BORN and RAISED about 20 years. Indonesia is often lauded as a democratic country that upholds the values of freedom of speech and expression. However, as a citizen of Indonesia, I have come to realize that this so-called freedom of speech is nothing but a facade, and the government’s claims of upholding this fundamental right are nothing but lies!!!
Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right that allows individuals to express their opinions, thoughts, and ideas without fear of censorship or punishment. It is a cornerstone of democracy and is essential for the functioning of a free and open society. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, this freedom is severely limited, and the government’s actions are often contradictory to its claims of upholding freedom of speech.
One of the most glaring examples of the government’s hypocrisy is its treatment of dissenting voices. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of government crackdowns on individuals who express opinions that are critical of the government’s policies or actions. Activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who dare to voice their opinions are often labeled as “troublemakers,” “agitators,” or even “terrorists.” They face intimidation, harassment, and even legal charges, simply for expressing their dissent.
One example is the case of Veronica Koman, a human rights lawyer and activist who has been tirelessly advocating for the rights of West Papuans. Instead of being commended for her efforts to shed light on the human rights violations in West Papua, she has been vilified by the government and targeted with threats and legal charges. This is just one example of how the government’s actions contradict its claims of upholding freedom of speech.
Furthermore, the government has also used various laws and regulations to stifle freedom of speech. The Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law) and the Law on Information and Electronic Transactions (UU ITE) are often weaponized to silence dissenting voices. These laws are vague and overly broad, allowing for arbitrary interpretation and abuse. They have been used to imprison individuals for expressing their opinions on social media or other online platforms, and to control the narrative in the digital space.
The government’s hypocrisy is also evident in its treatment of the media. While the government claims to support a free press, in reality, journalists face constant threats and attacks for reporting on issues that are critical of the government. Journalists who expose corruption, human rights abuses, or other sensitive topics are often targeted with harassment, intimidation, and violence. Some have even been imprisoned for doing their job.
Moreover, the government’s control over the media is also evident through its ownership of major media outlets. Many media organizations are owned or controlled by individuals with close ties to the government, which leads to biased reporting and limited coverage of issues that are critical of the government.
The government’s control over the narrative is not limited to traditional media. The rise of social media has provided a platform for individuals to express their opinions and share information freely. However, the government has been quick to clamp down on dissenting voices on social media as well. Internet shutdowns, blocking of websites, and arrests of social media users have become common tactics employed by the government to silence dissenting voices and control the narrative.
In conclusion, as a citizen of Indonesia, I cannot help but see the hypocrisy and lies in the government’s claims of upholding freedom of speech. The reality is that freedom of speech in Indonesia is severely limited, and the government’s actions are often contradictory to its claims of supporting this fundamental right. Dissenting voices are silenced, laws are abused to stifle opinions, and the media is controlled by those in power. It is time for the government to stop the charade and truly uphold the values of freedom of speech in Indonesia.
