More Freedom of Expression, But Increasingly Irrational
Before the Reform Era, people were forced to think twice about what they were going to say. Nowadays, however, people can say whatever they wish without thinking of how it may affect them, let alone others.
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University students from Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi lay siege on the House of Representatives in this May 1998 file photograph. They demanded reforms and called for then-President Soeharto to step down.
Men’s behavior is very much shaped by their environment. This has contributed to how Indonesians express their thoughts and feelings. Before the Reform Era, people were forced to think twice about what they were going to say. Nowadays, however, people can say whatever they wish without thinking of how it may affect them, let alone others.
Reform has fostered a political environment that, in the spirit of equality, supports everyone in expressing their world views. People seem to think they have the complete freedom to criticize the government, spreading slander, insulting others and even inciting unrest as part of their constitutionally protected freedom of expression.