It’s been planned for quite some time, but starting yesterday, the government is only allowing people to officially demonstrate in three designated special zones in order to maintain public order.
Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama yesterday signed the gubernatorial rule that effectively confines demonstrators to three zones: Parkir Timur Senayan, the Democratic Square in the DPR/MPR complex, and the South end of the National Monument (Monas).
In addition, demonstrations are only allowed to be carried out between 6 am and 6 pm, and a noise limit of 60 dB applies.
“If you [want to demonstrate] you can’t cause traffic jams, for example in Gambir, Monas, DPR. If you cause traffic jams we will catch you,” Ahok said, as quoted by Okezone yesterday.
Ahok said there are no criminal sanctions against violators of the rule, but authorities will be on hand to direct any straying demonstrators to these special zones.
While it’s essential for any democratic society to allow public demonstrations out in the open, we get that the government has to take steps to ensure public order, especially since many demonstrations in the past have caused chaos and, most frequently, traffic jams in the city.
But we hope that these new special zones are still viable enough for demonstrators to have their voices heard.
