Government Is Not Becoming Authoritarian: Wiranto
Jakarta. Chief Security Minister Wiranto has expressed certainty that the current administration will not become an authoritarian regime.
Wiranto said that the legal process against Rizieq Shihab of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and other vigilantes shows that the government under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla has a firm stance on law enforcement and the need to protect democratic values.
"If harsher measures are taken by the government, it does not mean that it becomes an authoritarian regime," Wiranto said in Jakarta on Wednesday (18/01).
"I can guarantee that the Jokowi-Kalla administration will not become authoritarian. However, firm law enforcement is needed to maintain democracy," he added.
Wiranto said that law enforcement is necessary to create a balance between the citizens' freedom and the supremacy of law, as lately some groups have felt more superior than the powers that be.
The former military chief referred to numerous rallies held recently by several mass organizations. While to demonstrate and express dissatisfaction is a constitutional right, the protesters must not break the law.
"Protests are allowed, but there are regulations. If these regulations are violated, surely the authorities will react," Wiranto said.
The most recent mass rally was held outside the National Police headquarters in Jakarta on Monday (16/01) by FPI members, who called on National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian to sack Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. M. Iriawan, West Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Anton Charliyan and West Kalimantan Police chief Brig. Gen. Musyafak.
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