Singgih Wiryono, Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid has condemned the forced disbandment of a congregation service held by the Prosperous Mission Church (GSM) in Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), on Sunday May 24.

Jakarta – The acquittal of human rights defenders Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti is seen as a milestone and a victory for freedom of expression, and sets a good precedent for the fight against the criminalisation of activists.

Jakarta – As many as 20 individuals and a network of national and international civil society groups have sent an amicus curiae brief to the panel of judges at the East Jakarta District Court which is currently hearing a defamation case against human rights activists Fatia Maulidiyanti and

Jakarta – The Setara Institute for Peace and Democracy has reminded President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo that there is still widespread opposition to minority groups performing worship and the establishment of houses of workers in several parts of Indonesia.

Jakarta – The prison sentence handed down against journalist Muhammad Asrul in Palopo, South Sulawesi, on November 23 has raised concerns about press freedom in Indonesia which should be protected by the constitution and specific legislation.

Tatang Guritno, Jakarta – The criminal lawsuit filed against human rights activists Fatia Maulidiyanti and Haris Azhar for alleged defamation is seen as a retreat for democracy.

Jakarta – The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) says that the Joint Decree (SKB) on Guidelines for Implementing the Information and Electronic Transaction Law (UU ITE), which was recently signed by the government, still contains a number of problematic articles.

Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia says that the government cannot just issue a joint ministerial decree (SKB) on uniforms in state schools. The decree must be followed by revoking the 2006 joint ministerial decree on establishing houses of worship.

Muhammad Ridwan – The administration of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has now been working for 100 days of Widodo’s second term in office.

Civil servant: If you’ve got any criticisms, aspirations, is that allowed?

Faiq Hidayat – The Defense Department will be reviving the Student University Paramilitary Regiment (Menwa) on all campuses throughout Indonesia. The Defense Department’s (Kemenhan) Director of National Defense, First Admiral M. Faisal said that the regiments will be reactivated next year.

Henni Marlina, Jakarta – Hundreds of demonstrators from the Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM) held a demonstration against a joint decree (SKB) signed by four ministers on wages. They were demanding that a minimum national wage of 3.5 million rupiah per month be put into effect.

[The following is a translation of discussion paper presented by Indonesian labour leader and general chairperson of the People’s United Opposition Party (Popor), Dita Indah Sari, at a public meeting titled “An evaluation of three months of the military emergency in Aceh” which was held in Jakarta on August 14.