Law Must Be Enforced to Protect People, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi delivers his statement after cycling at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Sunday (13/12). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau/Lukas)

In responding to the death of four residents of Lembantongoa Village in Sigi Regency and six members of the Islamic Defenders’ Front (FPI), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that the law must be obeyed and enforced to protect the interests of the people, nation, and state.

“I assert that Indonesia operated based on the rule of law. The law must be obeyed and enforced to protect the interests of the people, nation, and state. It is the duty of law enforcement officers to act firmly and fairly. They are also protected by the law in performing their duties,” the President said in his statement after cycling at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Sunday (13/12).

Therefore, he said, the citizens are not allowed to act arbitrarily and violate the law and harm the public and the nation. The legal apparatus should not be afraid of enforcing the law.

However, law enforcement officers are obliged to follow the rule of law, to protect human rights, and to use their authority in a fair and measured manner.

“If there are differing opinions regarding the law enforcement process, I order to immediately use legal mechanisms,” the President said.

The legal mechanisms have regulated a number of procedures and judicial process which final decisions must be respected. If it requires the involvement of an independent institution, Indonesia has the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), which provides complaint mechanisms.

“We must uphold justice and legal certainty in our country, lay the foundation for an advanced Indonesia,” he said. (BPMI/UN) (RIF/MMB)