Democracy does not mean the law of the jungle
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here Wednesday said there must be no room for violence, and all potentials for violence and social tensions must be suppressed firmly in accordance with the legal and democratic norms.

"Although in a democratic country, we have freedom of expression and assembly, we must realize that there can be no room nor tolerance for speeches enticing people to acts of violence, much less to murder," the president said in his speech at a National Press Day function here.

If there is a group or an organization repeatedly committing or calling for violent acts, security authorities must disband such an organization in line with the existing regulations and democratic ethics, according to the head of state.

The president said the recent violence in Temanggung and Pandeglang could have been prevented if local security personnel had been more pro-active and faster, and all parties, especially regional leaders at the village, sub district and subdistrict levels, had cared for and were committed to peace and tolerance.

Yudhoyono instructed the National Police to investigate and arrest the perpetrators and leaders of the anarchic acts.

He also called on the media to support the government by publishing news that promote inter-religion harmony and tolerance.

"I ask for the support and cooperation of the press by covering and reporting news which are in accordance with our efforts to strengthen harmony and tolerance and prevent violence conducted by any groups or communities which harm the harmony," the president said.

"Democracy does not mean the law of the jungle," he said.

Among VIPs present at the National Press Day function were Political, Legal and Security Affairs Coordinating Minister Djoko Suyanto, People`s Welfare Coordinating Minister Agung Laksono, Health Minister Endang Sedyaningsih, Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Aljufrie, Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hassan, Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Admiral Agus Suhartono, Women`s Empowerment and Children Protection minister Linda Ameliasari, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad, House Speaker Marzuki Alie and Chief of the Constitution Court Mahfud MD.
(*)

Editor: AA Ariwibowo
Copyright © ANTARA 2011