Elisabet Krisnanda Arneti Freedom of opinion is a fundamental human right guaranteed in Article 28, Section (3), of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution. Freedom of expression and opinion are the foundation1 stone for a free and democratic society and a necessary condition for the promotion and protection of human rights. Whereas the right to think is the foundation of opinion and the right to communicate is the vehicle for development. The thing that we have to acknowledge is that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is a freedom bound by 2 specific legal limitations intended to safeguard the rights of others. Any restriction must be provided by law, must pursue a legitimate aim, and must be necessary and proportionate. In reality, there are still many cases where authorities act arbitrarily. For example, the tragedy of a motorcycle taxi driver (ojol) being run over by a Brimob (Mobile Brigade) car, who lost his life after being run over by a Brimob tactical vehicle (Baracuda). This caused immediate death at the scene. Many consider this action a violation of safety procedures and a violation of basic human rights.
In Indonesia, the limits of demonstrations and freedom to express opinion in public are primarily regulated by Law Number 19 of 1998 concerning Freedom of Expression in Public. It acknowledges the right to demonstrate as a fundamental human right and a form of democratic expression that consists of obligations and responsibilities of demonstrators, prohibited locations, time limit, and mandatory written notification. In practice, the right to demonstrate is often accompanied by reports of excessive force and repressive actions by law enforcement, leading to safety risks for participants and the erosion of public trust despite it being the duty for police to protect human rights during demonstrations. Crucial steps including the revision of overly broad laws, like the ITE Law and KUHP, comprehensive training of law enforcement on human rights and non-violent crowd control standards, and strengthening civil society advocacy and legal aid to ensure the constitutional rights to expression and demonstrations are fully respected and protected, transforming these fundamental rights from mere legal concepts into lived democratic practices. footnote
1 General Comment No. 34 (2011) of the United Nations Human Rights Committee on Article 19: Freedoms of opinion and expression of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 2 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (adopted 16 Desember 1966, entered into force 23 March 1976) 999 UNTS 171, Article 19.
Testimony Examining Perspectives with LK2: Are Demonstrations Truly Regulated, and Where Are the Limits? Written by: Gracia Tiffany Gowzhan & Laurence Emerson Mulia
In your opinion, is demonstrating still an effective instrument for expressing aspirations, especially in today’s digital era?
Demonstration continues to be a vital and irreplaceable instrument for expressing public aspirations. Abang Daffa explained that expressing opinions directly through is far more effective than doing so digitally. Not to undermine digital resistance, but people naturally respond better when there’s real presence and emotion involved. Therefore, he emphasized that demonstrations allow participants to express their messages directly, making them more impactful for the public and for the decision-makers. Thus in his view, physical demonstrations are the most effective and authentic form of democratic expression, even in today’s digital advancements. In the implementation of Law Number 9 of 1998, do you think the right to express opinions in public is truly guaranteed, or is it excessively restricted? Law Number 9 of 1998 was born from the reform movement’s demand for freedom of expression. On paper, it already guarantees this right. However, in reality, the way it is carried out often doesn’t fully live up to the spirit of the 1945 Constitution or the core principles of human rights. Abang Daffa pointed out that many of the law’s procedures seem more about formality than actually serving their purpose. For example, the rule that requires people to report demonstrations to the police brings some challenges in the effectiveness of the protests. In practice, it’s difficult to distinguish between peaceful protests and provocative ones. Since demonstrations usually take place in crowded areas where tensions can easily rise, it’s unrealistic to expect everything to stay perfectly in order. Although the law bans hate speech and racially discriminative content, enforcing these limits fairly is still a challenge. Abang Daffa believes there should be legal or policy reforms to make demonstrations more effective, responsible, and truly impactful, not just a formality.
Testimony In your view, what is the role of law students in ensuring that freedom of expression continues within the framework of law? The role of law students is crucial in safeguarding freedom of expression so that it remains to be protected and also properly done. Abang Daffa says that this right needs to be watched over constantly, since today’s legal and political climate often seems to favor those in power rather than the public. He also reminded us that while students have the freedom to speak up and demonstrate, that freedom should always be used responsibly, which is to offer constructive criticism, not to provoke or insult others. Highlighting that this period of being a student is the best time to engage in such advocacy. Once you enter the workforce or government institutions, often times your ability to express dissent becomes more limited. Students must take advantage of their current position to uphold and protect this essential human right.
How does LK2 FH UI facilitate or encourage critical studies on issues of freedom of expression and demonstrations? LK2 FH UI promotes critical, law-based discussions through activities: like monthly seminars, focused studies, and publications such as LexPress and LexNews. These platforms help students to examine issues like freedom of expression from a legal perspective, not just political. For broader engagement, LK2 FH UI also hosts Tribune Express and open talks with practitioners and academics to connect legal theory with real-world issues. It publishes Juris and CDI to showcase student research and reform ideas. Overall, LK2 serves as a bridge for students to engage critically and responsibly with legal issues, keeping discussions grounded in law rather than politics.
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Event Review ALSA Local Chapter UI Visit 2025 ALSA Local Chapter UI Visit 2025 is an annual program held by External Affairs with the theme “Diverse Constellation, Finding Patterns Across Difference” and tagline “Stitching Diversity: Create Solidarity”. Through this theme and tagline, ALSA LC UI Visit 2025 aims to build strong connections and solidarity with other local chapters. ALSA LC UI Visit 2025 was held in East Java, specifically in Universitas Airlangga, which was chosen as the local chapter to be visited this year. The event featured various exciting activities over four days throughout August 17th–21st, 2025. On the first day, the participants along with members of ALSA LC Unair attended a public lecture titled “Perubahan Iklim Global antara Komitmen dan Kepentingan Nasional” with Prof. Suparto Wijoyo. In addition, there is also a Legal Constellation segment, which serves as an innovative part of this event. The following days’ segments included a trip to Mount Bromo, rafting, and a series of A Day With ALSA LC Unair that consisted of Cultural Exchange and Tunjungan Mission Hunt which took place in the Tunjungan Street, where participants must complete various missions to strengthen their bonds. This event was successfully held with various fun and exciting activities that formed the bond between ALSA LC UI and Unair. Keyniera and Aletha, as Project Officer and Vice Project Officer, hope that moving forward, ALSA LC UI Visit will always achieve its intended goals and continue to be the one of the most anticipated event every year.
Written by: Karina Sekar Utami
The 15th Business Law Competition (THE 15th BLC) carries a theme that focuses on a topic that is not commonly discussed through its main theme “The Role of Shipping Law as an Anchor in Strengthening Indonesia's Economic Resilience and Development.” This stems from the awareness that, as an archipelagic country with dominant sea trade routes, Indonesia depends on the shipping sector for its economic strength. For the committee, the selection of shipping law as the theme was considered a gamble given the scope of the material, which was considered “niche” and unfamiliar to most law students. However, it was precisely because of this nature that the competition succeeded in sparking curiosity and opening up new learning opportunities which were showcased by the students who are enthusiastic. In the Contract Drafting & Negotiation Competition, participants deal with issues of meeting national energy needs through sea routes. The Legal Opinion Competition tests participants in the resolution of maritime disputes such as cargo damage and ship arrest. Meanwhile, the Paper Competition encourages young researchers to analyze aspects of jurisdiction and legal compliance in Indonesian waters. By integrating all these issues, THE 15th BLC successfully translated maritime law from an abstract concept into a real field of legal advocacy.
Behind THE 15th BLC, there were eight months of hard work led by the Project Officer Maria Laeticia Vianney. The committee sought to improve the quality of the event by refining the competition flow, enhancing hospitality for each delegation, and improving the workflow at the competition venue to ensure that the entire event ran professionally and on time. In addition to the competition, the organizers also presented the BLC Exclusive Career and HR Talks, which provided finalists and participants with insights into professional career paths in the field of business law. Thus, THE 15th BLC is not only a competitive event but also a platform for developing future competencies for law students who wish to enter the corporate and maritime law sectors. Ultimately, THE 15th BLC is not only a platform for winning legal competitions but also a collective learning space that bridges the academic world with the maritime industry, as well as a vehicle for students to make a real contribution to strengthening the legal foundations of Indonesia's economy. By strengthening maritime law issues at the national level, THE 15th BLC brings optimism that Indonesia's young legal generation is ready to be part of efforts to maintain the country's economic resilience through continuous intellectual thought and work.
Content Creation Law Related Movies Reccomendation for law Students Written by: Olivia Mecca
“My favorite law-related show of all time is ‘Suits.’ This show highlights the dynamics of the competitive legal world, internal politics within law firms, and the profession's various moral and ethical dilemmas. I learned that being a lawyer is not only about winning cases, but also about seeking justice and maintaining moral values in the face of pressure and compromise. ‘Suits’ teaches law students that true competence is not only measured by appearance or ability to argue, but also by knowledge acquired ethically, hard work, and integrity in carrying out the legal profession.”
Bang Keza (2022)
Content Creation Law Related Movies Reccomendation for law Students Written by: Olivia Mecca
“My favorite law-related movie is ‘The Shawshank Redemption.’ This movie explores the themes of justice, hope, and perseverance within the confines of the legal and prison systems. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank Prison. Despite the injustice he faces, Andy maintains his integrity, intelligence, and sense of hope, ultimately finding redemption through resilience and moral strength. From this movie, I learned that the legal system should not only focus on punishment, but also on restoration and rehabilitation. The story reminds us that a purely repressive system, one that only imprisons without reforming, fails its purpose. There is little value in sending someone to prison if they are not taught how to avoid repeating their mistakes or how to contribute positively to society after release.”
Bang Awang (2023)
“‘Better Call Saul’ is the greatest show of all time. This show portrays the complex journey of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who struggles to gain respect and success in the legal world but gradually transforms into the morally ambiguous lawyer known as ‘Saul Goodman.’ It highlights how ambition, pressure, and the desire for recognition can lead someone to compromise their ethics and manipulate the law for personal gain. From this story, I learn that a good profession can be used for the wrong purposes if not guided by integrity and responsibility. We must remember that the knowledge and authority we gain in the field of law carry great ethical weight. Our legal understanding should be used to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and contribute to the betterment of society, not to manipulate or exploit the system for selfish interests.”
Ahmad Fikri (2024)
The Department of Arts and Culture of BEM FH UI 2025 organizes the annual signature event Cultural Art Week (CAW) 2025. CAW is distinguished from other programs by its emphasis on the promotion and preservation of Indonesian culture. This was a response to the increasing urgency for us students, as members of Indonesia’s younger generation, to value, preserve, and participate in our country’s diverse arts and cultural heritage. CAW aims to make culture more accessible in daily life by showcasing it through inventive and familiar methods, enabling us to engage with Indonesia’s rich traditions through a modern and enjoyable event.
CAW has broadened its outreach beyond the Faculty of Law since 2023 with public involvement. Every year, new innovations are added from events like flower arrangements, batik tutorials, and pottery paintings. This year, CAW features batik embroidery session and loads of pre-events. For the first time, CAW will include a talk show, as well as exhibitions, performances, and interactive art spaces. Even with new additions, CAW kepts its focus: educating Gen Z about the significance of safeguarding Indonesian art and culture, as they are often less acquainted with traditional forms of expression despite their prevalence in everyday life.
CAW 2025 brought the theme of “Samyojane Kala Pratavanti,” a Sanskrit phrase that translates to “in unity through art.” It embodies CAW’s vision of establishing a collaborative cultural space that brings together various Indonesian traditions while fostering deeper understanding through art. The tagline, “Kalahsamanvaya,” which translates to “harmony through art,” encapsulates the essence of CAW, leveraging art not just for aesthetic expression but as a means to connect disparate elements, honor diversity, and foster communal harmony. CAW invites students and public to engage, appreciate, and deepen their ties with Indonesian cultural heritage through pre-events, exhibitions, performances, and workshops.