Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that Saiful Mujani's alleged call for a coup is not protected by the constitution as it risks national instability. He made the remarks during a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights office in South Jakarta. Pigai emphasized the government's commitment to protecting constructive criticism.
Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai asserted that Saiful Mujani's statement is not automatically protected by the constitution. "(The statement of) Saiful Mujani is not guaranteed by the constitution because it has the potential to cause national instability," Pigai said at a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights office in South Jakarta on Monday.
Pigai explained that the government always protects citizens' rights to express opinions, including criticism. Measured and constructive criticism is essential to keep the government accountable and to gather input for public programs. He cited examples of valid criticism, such as constitutional law expert Feri Amsari's remarks on the food self-sufficiency policy, and University of Jakarta State lecturer Ubedilah Badrun's critique of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
However, Pigai stressed that expressions provoking threats to national stability are unacceptable. Continued such statements could destabilize the government and lead to chaos harming the public.
Pigai endorsed reports against Saiful Mujani to the police. Earlier, Merah Putih Stratejik Indonesia (MPSI) filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Directorate of National Police Criminal Investigation Agency on April 9 over allegations of inciting the overthrow of the president outside constitutional mechanisms. MPSI Executive Director Noor Azhari affirmed that democracy must stay within legal and constitutional bounds.
