Thursday, September 26, 2019

Are New Laws an Assault on Human Rights in Indonesia? | Inside Story


Extra-marital relations outlawed in Indonesia; and jail sentences for insulting the president. These are some of the controversial proposals causing an outcry in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, which are considered disastrous by rights groups.

Thousands of students vented their anger. Coming under pressure, President Joko Widodo postponed the vote on changes to the draft criminal code, but Indonesians still fear it could be passed by parliament.

They're also angry over the passing of another law that weakens Indonesia's anti-corruption organization. The protests have been dismissed by the Indonesian government. So, can the outrage stop the government's plans?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom | Guests: Greg Barton, expert on terrorism at Deakin University: Calvin Dark, former Indonesian Government Campaign Adviser; Damien Kings, conflict resolution specialist