I would like to invite all academics, practitioners, student activists, and students to continue voicing the right to freedom of expression, anti-deception, and anti-corruption campaigns through any media.
MY Esti, a member of the House (DPR)from the PDIP, confronted the committee for the Coffee Shop with Rocky Gerung. Embarrassing.
First, as a member of the People’s Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia, you should represent all Indonesian people, not just the province, let alone just the electoral district, if it is only for the benefit of your party. The members of the council are paid by the people.
So, Esti should have listened to as many people’s aspirations as possible. Those who attended the discussion with Rocky Gerung (RG) yesterday were all citizens. Then, why only defend a handful of people at the front who rejected RG rather than the fifteen hundred student participants, university students, and the general public who had been waiting for the RG for days, because it had been delayed?
Second, My Esti’s defense of Jokowi was very subjective and ignored the public interest. Legally, Esti certainly knows that regarding insults, Jokowi is the one who has the right to report this to the authorities. However, due to personal feelings, and blind love, he deliberately violated the laws that protect the rights to freedom of association, assembly, and opinion. Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (hereinafter referred to as the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia) mandates, “Every person has the right to freedom of association, assembly, and expression of opinions.”
Morally she should have just resigned because she prioritized personal interests over the people. Defending Jokowi by rejecting RG is a personal/group interest. Whether he is defending Jokowi as president, a party official, or an idol, what is clear is that Jokowi is not the people. And like it or not, Rocky Gerung is the people, as well as all the organizers and participants of the discussion.
Third, My Esti did not understand the content and context. I understand RG’s statement offended and angered her. However, this meeting has nothing to do with the discussion event “Bonus Demography and National Mental Development” in which RG was the main speaker.
If indeed RG was deemed to be a bad influence, My Esti should have asked to be taken into narcotics at that time as well. With honor, she can explain, and advise young people about the manners in question. ashe can even criticize RG directly in front of the public and the media. Yen wedi ojo wani-wani, yen wani ojo wedi-wedi, as Javanese proverb says. Not persecuting, blaming the committee for inviting RG.
Fourth, there is a new group called the United Indonesian Archipelago Fighters (PNIB). It was this group that yesterday blocked the entrance to the discussion location. PNIB should be rejected, even disbanded, because its activities violate the Freedom of Expression Law in Indonesia. In addition, it is necessary to ask who the members are, and what their vision and mission are. Don’t let their work program be to persecute anyone who doesn’t suit them. Especially if there is a threat of using the law of the jungle. I’m afraid it’s a bit difficult to apply for permission from the king of the jungle. Indonesia is a constitutional state, so it is clear, everything is regulated through the laws that apply in Indonesia.
If it recognizes Pancasila, the PNIB will understand the 4th precept regarding deliberation for consensus, and the 5th precept of social justice. Just join the discussion, or open debate, together to find an understanding. Usually, the demonstrations are gathered, unfurling banners, and giving speeches. So, if you just block the road, and carry banners, then it’s normal for someone to think they are ‘paid people’. Moreover, at that time, only My Esti entered to negotiate. The framing of “My Esti’s payee” is complete.
As a resident of Yogyakarta, I object to the PNIB’s banner that says “Yogyakarta is the City of Students with Dignity”, but instead they persecute students, university students, and the general public who want to study. They are the ones who are not dignified.
When it comes to adab and culture, where did My Esti and PNIB go when there was a dog wedding with Javanese customs that went viral some time ago? Not to mention the reason for rejecting RG on the banner was written because it insulted the state symbol.
Have you read Law No. 24 of 2009 which states that the state symbols according to the 1945 Constitution are the red and white flag, the Indonesian language, Garuda Pancasila, and the Great Indonesia Anthem?
Yogyakarta looks stupid with the PNIB banner yesterday. There is also a similar banner, only replaced by the sentence on it “Jombang Kota Santri, Tentrem Adem Ayem”.
Still the same refused RG. This is freedom of opinion. However, there is no need to profiteer the names of Jombang and Santri just for the benefit of dozens of people, only the PNIB group. Its slogan is calm, calm, but its actions are disturbing.
Jokowi, aside from being a citizen, has been silent all this time, as if enjoying the commotion. This country has had enough of “useless” noise. If he is indeed a leader with a big heart, calms his supporters, respects the law, has no need for persecution, be proud to accept criticism, even insults. So, supporters will love it more, and the public will respect it.
Lastly, I would like to invite all academics, practitioners, student activists, and students to continue voicing the right to freedom of expression, anti-deception, and anti-corruption campaigns through any media.
Greetings common sense. Greetings of change for unity.
“Ing wants to stop corruption, ing middle builds a dynasty, tut wuri cawe-cawe.”
(Rocky Gerung)
Mariana Ulfah, Communication Lecturer at Ahmad Dahlan University, Yogyakarta
