"If the process of the formulation of the law can involve all of us, that's very interesting. Public participation should not be closed, in order to create a sense of belonging," he remarked during an online seminar organized by the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) here on Thursday.
The former minister of education and information communication said that it would be okay to make changes to the ITE Law to suit the developments of the era. The changes, however, must not affect the freedom of the press and freedom of expression, he added.
"I understand that when the Chief of Police intended to issue a circular letter, stipulating that if you apologize, you don't need to be detained, people are all happy. So, if a derivative regulation of the ITE law is formulated, I think it's okay," Nuh said.
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"What is important for the Press Council is that it's okay to amend this law in accordance with the progress of the era, but the freedom of the press cannot be contested, freedom of expression has to be maintained," he added.
According to him, the public's “sense of belonging” to a law is important for society.
Hence, he urged the government and the Parliament to accommodate the public's feeling of belonging.
"Please, this country does not only belong to you. Together we open the door, so everyone should participate so as to produce a law that is not weird. Because everyone has a voice. So it is comfortable," Nuh said.
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament, Azis Syamsuddin, and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, also joined the seminar.
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Translator: Abdu Faisal, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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