Sukatani's Song Polemic; Fadli Zon Calls for Balanced Freedom of Expression

17 hours ago 10

February 21, 2025 | 08:04 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Sukatani's song 'Bayar Bayar Bayar', whose lyrics are interpreted as a sharp criticism of the police force. He expressed support for freedom of expression, but he opined that this freedom should not disrupt the rights or freedom of others.

Fadli exemplified freedom of expression in terms of Ethnicity, Religion, Race, and Inter-group (SARA) issues. He argued that freedom of expression, in these contexts, must remain within established norms.

"For example, it should not touch on these issues nor institutions that might be harmed," said the Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Party at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Friday, February 21, 2025.

He clarified that he does not object to criticism directed at individual perpetrators or members of the police. However, he raised concerns about criticizing the institution as a whole based on the actions of a few.

"If criticizing the perpetrators or individuals, I think there's no problem. But if it affects the institution, and then has an impact, this might become a problem," said Fadli.

Fadli cited an analogy, if a journalist commits a crime, it does not mean that there is an issue with the press institution. He argued that it is unjust to attribute the mistakes of an individual to an entire group

According to him, institutions may contain individuals who violate ethical codes. He also observed that the public still needs a strong and clean police institution.

As widely reported, the punk group Sukatani withdrew their song 'Bayar Bayar Bayar' from all streaming platforms. This announcement, which included an apology to the National Police Chief and the police institution, was made via their social media account @sukatani.band on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

In response, chairperson of the Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) Muhammad Isnur asked President Prabowo Subianto and National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo to guarantee the freedom of the people in voicing criticism.

Isnur emphasized that any police intervention behind the song's removal is a suppression of freedom of opinion and indicates an anti-criticism stance.

Daniel A Fajri and Jihan Ristiyanti contributed to the writing of this article.

Editor's Choice: Sukatani's Song Pulled; Musicians Highlight Suppression of Creative Freedom

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