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Freedom does not surpass supremacy of law in Indonesia: Minister
Jakarta Globe - November 30, 2016
"It is impossible for freedom to surpass supremacy of the law. If it is violated, the state will descend into chaos," Wiranto said in a speech at the Indonesian Democracy Index awards in Jakarta on Wednesday (30/11).
The former Army general said Indonesia's founding fathers realized the difficulties of building a democratic country and for this reason, even Sukarno implemented a system of guided democracy in the early days.
"At that time, it was not the time for direct freedom, as [Indonesia's democracy] had not matured yet," Wiranto said. He added that former President Suharto also implemented similar measures. "Now, we are entering a democratic era that is more free and open," he said.
However, he said the public was still not ready for total freedom, even after the 1998 political reforms. "When freedom strengthens, the danger of anarchy will emerge to destroy the country," Wiranto said.
He said the government has been trying to find a balance between democratic freedom and compliance of the law, as Indonesian citizens are not prepared for total democracy, such as in the United States and France.
Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/freedom-not-surpass-supremacy-law-indonesia-minister/.
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