PRIME NEWS POST 

The INDONESIAN (JAKARTA) – A fresh wave of controversy has once again stirred public discourse across the country. A video recording by former Chairman of the Gadjah Mada University Student Council, Tiyo Ardianto, has suddenly gone viral, sparking heated debate across social media platforms. Using a satirical analogy involving a cat to make remarks about the Head of State, the video has not only drawn widespread public reaction but has also become a critical test of ethical boundaries and legal limits within the framework of democracy.

Watching national tensions rise and the risk of division grow, the Chairman of the National Leadership Board of the Indonesian Law Students Association (DPN PERMAHI), Azhar Sidiq S, has issued a firm statement. As the leader of this organization of law students, he aims to reduce polarization and guide public discussion back to constitutional principles before matters escalate further.

Azhar emphasized that the freedoms enjoyed today are not unlimited or unregulated. It is true that Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to express opinions under the protection of democracy. However, he reminded the public to also consider the next provision in the Constitution: Article 28J paragraph (2), which clearly states that every individual’s rights are limited by law, morality, and public order.

From a constitutional law perspective, Azhar explained that the office of the President carries distinct roles. The public must clearly distinguish between when the leader acts as Head of Government and when he serves as Head of State. As Head of Government, all executive policies are open to public scrutiny, criticism, and rigorous assessment. Yet as Head of State, he represents national sovereignty and serves as the face of the nation — a position whose dignity is protected and respected by law.

In PERMAHI’s view, the remarks made by Tiyo Ardianto through his satirical analogy have crossed acceptable limits. The narrative is seen as moving beyond legitimate criticism of policies and falling into personal defamation.

Azhar stressed that once criticism turns into character assassination and degradation of dignity, legal provisions come into effect. Such actions fall clearly under criminal law, specifically Article 218 paragraph (1) of the new Criminal Code, which addresses offenses against the honor and dignity of the President and/or Vice President.

From the perspective of administrative law, Azhar urged the public not to waste energy producing content that targets individuals. Constructive criticism should serve as a sharp tool to examine governance, identify abuse of authority (detournement de pouvoir), or unlawful state actions (onrechtmatige overheidsdaad) that harm the people. Harsh and demeaning satire, he noted, leaves no room for regulatory improvements or bureaucratic reform.

In closing, the PERMAHI Chairman delivered a national message. Amid the many challenges testing Indonesia’s resilience today, the nation does not need divisive narratives that tear society apart. Azhar called upon all young people, students, and elements of society to stand united, set aside polarizing differences, and work together to safeguard the honor and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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