PRIME NEWS POST

The INDONESIAN (KENDARI )— The Southeast Sulawesi Legal Observation Institute (LPH Sultra) has raised serious concerns over the alleged abuse of social control functions by an individual claiming to represent LIRA Kolaka. LPH Sultra states it is preparing legal steps and plans to report the party involved to law enforcement authorities for an objective investigation.

According to LPH Sultra, the social control function is inherently a vital pillar of democracy — intended to safeguard public interests, deliver constructive criticism of policies and public issues, and promote transparency and accountability.

However, this function loses its legitimacy when allegedly exploited by certain individuals as a tool for pressure, intimidation, or a means to advance personal interests or private gain.

LPH Sultra notes that information, facts, communications, and evidence have emerged that merit objective inquiry — concerning the suspected use of LIRA Kolaka’s name and organizational position by an individual for purposes outside the organization’s social mandate.

The institute also points to alleged fund flows to specific parties linked to private interests, while the organization’s name and standing were reportedly used to exert pressure on targeted individuals or entities.

LPH Sultra publicly questions: Is social control truly being exercised for the public good, or is it being exploited as an instrument to advance personal interests?

This question, they emphasize, demands legal scrutiny — particularly where organizational influence is allegedly tied to requests, offerings, or transfers of funds. When an organization claiming to represent the public interest uses its standing to pressure others for private gain, the issue transcends ordinary organizational matters and strikes at the heart of integrity, credibility, and institutional dignity.

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Alleged Extortion to Be Tested Through Legal Process

LPH Sultra affirms that criticism of governments, corporations, and institutions is protected free speech and a legitimate mechanism of social oversight in a democracy. Criticism grounded in facts, data, and public interest is essential to balanced governance.

Yet freedom of expression cannot justify alleged coercion aimed at unlawful gain — especially when carried out under an organization’s name or authority, and linked to demands or transfers of money.

If an objective legal review establishes a link between pressure tactics and the intent to secure unlawful benefit, the matter exceeds ethical concerns and enters the realm of criminal liability. Law enforcement must evaluate the facts, evidence, and fulfillment of legal elements — including potential extortion under Article 482 of the 2023 Criminal Code (KUHP) — through proper investigative and evidentiary processes.

LPH Sultra insists this must not remain a war of words or public accusations. Where relevant evidence exists, it must be tested through due legal process.

LPH Sultra Prepares Evidence, Will Pursue Legal Channels

LPH Sultra states it will pursue legal recourse to prevent the issue from devolving into public conflict. All relevant information, communications, documents, and evidence are being compiled and reviewed; once assessed as meeting legal thresholds, the materials will be submitted to competent authorities for investigation.

“We stand ready to account for every piece of information and evidence we submit. We build no narrative without basis. Where allegations exist, let the evidence and legal process decide,” LPH Sultra affirmed.

The report will focus on alleged extortion so facts may be examined professionally, transparently, and in accordance with law. LPH Sultra emphasizes it does not presume guilt — the report is intended to allow allegations to be tested, and to afford the reported party the right to clarify, respond, and defend themselves — upholding the presumption of innocence.

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However, the presumption of innocence must not obstruct legitimate investigation where reasonable grounds exist to follow up on credible information and preliminary evidence.

Social Control Is Not a Tool for Intimidation

Organizations exercising social control bear a profound moral responsibility to the public. The people’s voice must never become a shield for private interests; an organization’s name must never become a tool of coercion; and public advocacy must never be converted into private transactions.

For social control to be legitimate, it must be exercised independently, objectively, transparently, and free from personal gain.

LPH Sultra clarifies this is not an attack on LIRA as an institution — the concern is the alleged actions of an individual that, if proven, risk damaging the organization’s good name and eroding public trust in social oversight.

“If the allegations are unfounded, the party concerned is welcome to provide clarification and evidence-based rebuttal. But if violations are found through investigation, all persons stand equal before the law. No organization stands above the law. No position is immune to scrutiny. And no ‘social control’ label may serve as a cover for private benefit.”

LPH Sultra’s approach remains measured, evidence-based, and objective — not driven by sensationalism, nor intended to silence legitimate criticism.

“The goal is to ensure social control remains firmly anchored in the public interest — conducted with dignity, and never abused as leverage or a source of private profit.”

LEMBAGA PEMERHATI HUKUM SULAWESI TENGGARA

Alfansyah, General Chairman