Gamawan Fauzi, Home Affairs Minister
Mass organizations must be regulated
Since its first draft, the Mass Organizations Law-passed by the House of Representatives (DPR) two weeks ago-had been rejected by many civil society groups. They saw this new legislation as a step back for Indonesia's democracy, a restriction on the freedom of public organizations. Now awaiting the ratification of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the law effectively regulates the principles, the establishment criteria, the penalties and financial management and even the dissolution of all civil society organizations.
July 16, 2013
Failing to block its passage into law, some organizations are now planning to submit an appeal to the Constitutional Court for its judicial review. There is great concern that the new law will restore the government's right to ban people's right to associate.
Conversely, the government regards the 2013 Law on Mass Organizations as necessary to replace Law No.8/1985 on Community Organizations. The 1985 law is seen to have been repressive, in c
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