Jakarta – National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo opened a demonstration oration competition at the Proclamation Monument, Central Jakarta, Friday (10/12/2021). This activity is also in commemoration of World Human Rights Day (HAM) which falls today.
On that occasion, Sigit revealed that the holding of the competition for the 2021 National Police Chief Cup is a manifestation of the Police’s commitment to upholding human rights and values in the democratic system in Indonesia. One of them is to provide a forum for the community to express their opinions and opinions.
“On the occasion of this human rights day, we, the National Police, are trying to provide another atmosphere by holding a rally contest for the National Police Chief Cup in 2021. This activity is a commitment from the Police in upholding human rights and democratic values by providing a forum or space to express aspirations. , said Sigit.
The former Banten Police Chief emphasized that freedom of opinion and expression are part of human rights which are given universal protection and are regulated in the 1945 Constitution and the law (UU).
“Allow me to wish you a world human rights day with the theme Reducing Inequalities, Advancing Human Rights or equality that advances human rights. With the momentum of commemorating World Human Rights Day, we can play an active role in upholding human rights, especially for the progress of the Indonesian nation,” said the former Police Chief of Criminal Investigation Unit.
The spirit of initiating the idea for a demonstration oration competition, said Sigit, departed from the emergence of several phenomena in society that had an impact on the decline in the perception index of human rights in Indonesia. For example, the safekeeping of demonstration participants during a working visit by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Blitar, Solo and Cilacap.
Then, there was the deletion of murals which were expressions of society. Such as ‘Jokowi 404: Not Found’ to ‘Forced Health in a Sick Country’. This phenomenon develops in society, thus affecting the perception of human rights. “This of course lowers the perception index related to freedom of opinion or freedom in society to give expression and opinions that are protected by law,” said Sigit.
According to Sigit, the decline in the perception index of human rights is one of the factors causing the problem of communication blockages. The community basically only wants to convey their aspirations but on the other hand, the authorities want to carry out their duties to maintain security and order.
Therefore, said Sigit, the demonstration oration competition is also a momentum to provide education and socialization to the public and officials related to the fulfillment of human rights in conveying freedom of opinion.
“Obviously this is what we will educate, we will empower. When people exercise their right to freedom of expression, one of them is that demonstrations can still run well. However, there is one thing that we must take care of is how then these activities are not carried out by interests that will lead to things that disrupt security stability, “said Sigit.
The National Police Chief also touched on the message from President Jokowi when he delivered a speech at the Regional Head Office some time ago related to the decline in the human rights perception index. At that time, Jokowi gave a message to the National Police to implement a persuasive, dialogical approach, respecting freedom of opinion and absorbing its aspirations.
“Of course, we will follow up the directions from the President by taking steps that will provide education for all of us. The communication barriers that exist can then be opened between officers in the field and the whole community who will carry out their expression activities, so communication can be established,” said Sigit.
On the other hand, Sigit revealed the reason for this demonstration competition being held at the Proclamation Monument. This is a form of respect for Indonesia’s Founding Fathers such as Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta. Moreover, they are also known as orators who always ignite the spirit of the Indonesian people’s struggle.
“And of course, we also hope that this can inspire all of us to be able to inflame and raise the spirit of the human rights struggle in Indonesia in this World Human Rights Day commemoration activity,” said Sigit.
Not to forget, Sigit expressed his appreciation to Komnas HAM, Kompolnas, elements of labor, human rights activists, students and all parties who have supported this demonstration oration competition. This activity is also assessed by the jury who have the capability and competence.
The demonstration oration competition, said Sigit, was well received by the public. This was evident from the enthusiasm of the participants, which initially numbered 2,041. Then in the selection process, there were 243 teams and were re-elected with the six best teams.
“Obviously, on this occasion we provide free sub-themes, so all colleagues may provide criticism and suggestions for good input to the Government, Ministries, and institutions that you may feel need to be criticized, especially the police. So we really want this activity to be an evaluation for all of us, an evaluation for us to be able to hear what the community feels and of course it will be part of the evaluation that we will continue to improve,” concluded Sigit.