By Ross B. Taylor
By
any measurement Indonesia has made an amazing transformation from a ruthless
dictatorship to a vibrant and mostly open democracy within the past 19 years.
Even
the much maligned police force has slowly begun to transform itself as
evidenced by the outstanding relationship formed between the National Police
(POLRI) and Australia’s Federal Police (AFP) on terrorism issues.
Indonesia’s
judiciary however, continues to be a significant drag the image of this young
nation as the world watches as case-after-case leaves many questions and doubts
amongst leading legal experts.
The
jailing today of the former governor of Jakarta, Basuki ‘Ahok’ Tjahaja Purnama for two years on
a conviction of blasphemy, simply gets added to the list of very suspect
decisions by Indonesia’s judiciary.
A
combination of a poor legal framework- where for example the principle of ‘precedent’
does not exist leaving every case open to interpretation by the judges on the
day – along with corruption, inexperience and intimidation raises serious
concerns about Indonesia’s progress into becoming a legally fair and
transparent society.
Clearly,
the Islamic hardliners, lead by the FPI and groups such as now outlawed HTI,
threatened a huge revolt should ‘Ahok’ have escaped punishment. The judges
obviously understood the threat clearly, and were also in no doubt of the
broader agenda.
‘Ahok’
will appeal his conviction, and life in Jakarta will go on, but in the meantime
the court’s decision is a significant setback for minority groups in Indonesia
and the indications are that these groups – including non-Muslim
religions, ethnic communities and gay organisations for example – will need to proceed carefully as
the 2019 election nears.
Furthermore,
the Indonesian judiciary has once again demonstrated that it doesn’t matter whether you are a former City
Governor or simply an Aussie tourist in Bali who has got into trouble, for now don’t assume that you would receive a fair and transparent court hearing should
you be charged.
Ross B. Taylor AM is the president of the
Indonesia Institute (Inc) that is based in Perth, Western Australia.
9th May 2017
A terrible day for Indonesia. Andhi.
ReplyDeleteI feel so ashamed as an Indonesian after yesterday's jailing of Ahok. They prefer corrupt leaders with their same religion. Rio
ReplyDeleteExactly. Weak, immature, premature and full of conspiracy.
ReplyDeleteYotha-Jakarta (Tweet)
Justice is dead today. Katsudon
ReplyDeleteHey Ross. So sad of injustice of aborigin people in Aussie. Ahmad Taufik
ReplyDeleteReligion is best for getting what you want, just like in Australia. JK.
ReplyDeleteCan you remove my comment i pressed my son account
ReplyDeleteDo you think he will win appeal? Is Jokowi intervene? As chinese heritage will china president react? Anyone plans to start a petition or no impact?
ReplyDeleteGreat article Pak Ross. You reflect the views of millions of Indonesians. Agus S. Jajarta
ReplyDeleteI'm appalled about the outcome of his trial. Prison is not the appropriate decision. In fact, once an appeal is lodged, he should be released on bail.....but maybe not in Indonesia?
ReplyDeleteCome to the rally at South Perth foreshore on Saturday 13 May at 2pm in support of Ahok.