Circular Letter on Hate Speech

The Chief of the Indonesian National Police has issued Circular Letter No. SE/6/X/2015 of 2015 on Hate Speech (“Circular”). The Circular is aimed at preventing the spread of hate speech in Indonesia, which can lead to discrimination, violence, ethnic cleansing, and even genocide.[1]

The Circular is currently stirring up a heated public debate within Indonesian society. For instance, the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI), which is led by Luhut Pangaribuan, has asked that the Circular be revoked, as it could mean the criminalization of thoughts and ideas.[2] Legal Aid for Press (LBH Pers) has also demanded that the Circular be withdrawn, stating that it may suppress freedom of speech.[3]