Jepara – Indonesia is a pluralistic, multicultural, and democratic country, rooted in Pancasila democracy. Indonesian culture is reflected in traditional dance, architecture, cuisine, and music.
“Indonesian culture is also visible in tolerant, polite, and cultured attitudes,” said Imam Baehaqi at a Kominfo digital literacy webinar titled “Freedom of Expression in Digital Space” on Saturday, October 2, 2021.
Imam said Indonesia’s pluralism includes 1,340 ethnic groups, six official religions, 716 native languages, 245 national faith-based organizations, and 954 regional organizations across 25 provinces.
For Imam, freedom of expression means the right to seek, receive, and share information and ideas in all forms, by any means. “This includes verbal, written, artistic, and political expression,” he said.
He added that freedom of expression supports other human rights, such as freedom of thought, belief, and religion. So digital freedom is a fundamental right for internet users.
“Freedom of expression in digital space is not separate from rules or digital ethics under the ITE law,” said the cultural activist.
The ethical basis is also in Article 19 paragraph 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Indonesia: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression…”.
The 1945 Constitution protects freedom of expression in Article 28E paragraph (3) and Article 28F.
Another speaker, Rosyid Effendi, said freedom always comes with responsibility, both online and offline.
“Responsible freedom means choosing actions that benefit others in line with your talents and conscience, without harming anyone,” he said.
He also advised social media users to prioritize creativity, positivity, collaboration, and to avoid negative behavior.
Moderated by Dannys Citra, the webinar also featured Muhammad Yunus Anis (Lecturer at FIB UNS Surakarta), Muhammad Bima Januri (Co-founder of Localin), and Bella Ashari as key opinion leader.
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