"This is a good idea, considering that the DPR is essentially a home of the people. Thus, we welcome Mr. Pigai to elaborate on this proposal during a parliamentary meeting," DPR Commission XIII Deputy Speaker Andreas Hugo Pareira stated in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He described the proposal as a promising solution to traffic disruptions often caused by demonstrations staged outside the Parliamentary Complex, stressing that establishing a special area for public voices could help ensure that people can convey their thoughts without compromising order.
Nevertheless, the lawmaker highlighted the importance of setting technical arrangements to ensure the plan’s effectiveness. He mentioned the need to limit the number of demonstrators, clarify the permit process, determine schedules, and ensure security.
"This may be a solution, but it is important to thoroughly study it first because the DPR receives various parties daily, including government officials and communities, pushing forward their interests," Pareira pointed out.
Earlier, on Monday (September 15), Human Rights Minister Pigai underlined that allocating a space at the Parliamentary Complex for demonstrations could be a strategic step toward improving the practice of democracy in Indonesia.
He asserted that the state is responsible not only for protecting the people's right to peacefully voice their aspirations but also for facilitating them to exercise this right.
The minister argued that his proposal aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to freedom of expression mandated both by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Indonesia's Human Rights Law.
He cited undisrupted traffic flow, demonstrations’ effectiveness, logistics efficiency, and security considerations as the basis of his proposal, which he said is inspired by practices in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and South Korea.
Related news: Prabowo vows to hear public demands, defend free expression
Related news: President Prabowo urges legislators to prioritize public interests
Translator: Aria A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
