Maintaining Conduciveness Ahead of Election

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Theater figure and human rights activist Ratna Sarumpaet (second right, in red vest) arrives on Feb. 28, 2019 at the South Jakarta District Court. Ratna is being tried for spreading fake news.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – All elements of the nation, both government and society, need to hold back and maintain a conducive environment ahead of the April 17, 2019 election. The people’s democratic maturity is urgently needed.

This is vital amid the emergence of the many polemics that could disrupt peace during the election. The latest polemic arose on Thursday morning, when the police arrested Robertus Robet, a lecturer of Jakarta State University (UNJ) and a human rights activist. Robertus was then named as a suspect for allegedly insulting the Indonesian Military (TNI) during a rally at the Istana Merdeka (State Palace) in Central Jakarta, when he sang “The ABRI March” with altered lyrics.

Robertus’ arrest is an addition to the list of cases leading up to the election. The other cases included the burning of vehicles in several areas in Central Java and setting off firecrackers near the venue of the Feb. 17 presidential debate. The perpetrators have yet to be identified.

The head of the Indonesian Research Institute’s political research center, Firman Noor, warned that public order and security should be maintained ahead of the simultaneous legislative and presidential elections so that the event would not be used by “irresponsible people” to disrupt the democratic process. All elements of the nation must be mature in realizing democracy so the people can live in peace and the quality of democracy can be maintained, he said Thursday.

Apology

The police arrested Robertus at around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday. After he was questioned, the police named him as a suspect of allegedly insulting the TNI. From viral videos and other evidence, Robertus was seen giving a speech at the State Palace and singing the alternative version of “The ABRI March”, which was sung during the1998 student demonstration.

However, Robertus was released jailed because the alleged crime did not require detention. After his questioning at National Police Headquarters on Thursday afternoon, Robet admitted that his speech was directed at the TNI. "First of all, I want to apologize. I had no intention to insult or degrade the TNI we love," he said.

Robertus also confirmed that the individual captured on video speaking on Feb. 28 at Kamisan, a weekly protest held on Thursdays at the State Palace in Central Jakarta was himself. Public information head Brig. Gen. (Pol) Dedi Prasetyo of the National Police’s public relations division said investigators concluded that Robertus\' action violated the Article 207 of the Criminal Code.

The article regulates criminal offenses against law enforcement authorities in Indonesia and carries a sentence of 1-6 months in prison.

Dedi said that Robertus also claimed there was a video that contained a threat against him. Dedi ensured that the police guaranteed safety for Robertus and his family.

TNI information center head Maj. Gen. Sisriadi appreciated the steps taken by the police, as he believed Robertus’ speech as hate speech against the TNI. "It is the duty of the police as the law enforcement authority. The police have indeed taken the necessary steps in handling the case," he said.

On the other hand, Sisriadi said Robertus’ speech also contained the widely discussed issue of the military’s dual function during the New Order era. "This is feedback for the TNI to build public trust," he said. (EDN/E02/E14/ABK)