Medan – Protesters from the Student Struggle Center for National Liberation (PEMBEBASAN, formerly LMND-PRD) in the North Sumatra capital of Medan oppose the enactment of the Draft Law on Intelligence and State Secrecy (RUU Intelijen) because it will muzzle the people’s democratic rights and emasculate the 1945 Constitution and the state ideology of Pancasila.
This opposition was conveyed by hundreds of students from Medan City branch of Pembebasan when they held a protest action at the Majestic traffic circle on Jl. Gatot Subroto Medan on Thursday June 23.
Led by Medan city Pembebasan chairperson Nico Silalahi, the protesters said that the draft intelligence law represents the resurgence of the same anti-democratic military forces that operated under the New Order regime of former President Suharto during his 32 years in power.
“If the draft intelligence law is ratified into law, it will result in the people loosing their rights to criticise anti-people government polices. This represents a trick and the killing off of democracy and human rights”, said Nico.
If the intelligence law comes into effect, according to Nico, there will be no more freedom of expression, opinion or organisation in a country that claims to adhere to Pancasila and the 1945 constitution.
The most chilling thing about the enactment of the law, said Nico, is that any individual or organisation could be deemed to be a threat to the state (the government’s version), and intelligence officials will be at liberty to conduct arrests, carry out interrogations and detain people for 7x24 hours.
“Detentions can also be extended to 90 days, even to 3x90 days as well as not being given the right to be accompanied by an advocate (lawyer), or the right to contact outside parties including their own families and the presumption of innocence will not apply”, said Nico.
After giving speeches at the Majestic traffic circle, the protesters held a similar action at the North Sumatra Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) building. (HRK/YEZ)
Source: Massa Pembebasan Kota Medan Tolak Pengesahan RUU Intelijen – Starberita. Kamis, 23 Juni 2011
[Translated by James Balowski.]
