In the previous part of this series we briefly discussed two of the biggest corruption cases that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) handled/is handling with disappointing progress/results. But there are more disappointing examples.

In the first instalment of this series we some of the cases Rizieq Shihab is being investigated and how ridiculous they are. But the leader of the Islam Defender’s Front (FPI) is not the only one being investigated; his allies are under pressure too.

The quality of the ruling in Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnaman’s blasphemy trial is nothing short of appalling. Many important facts and consideration presented during trial were ignored by the Panel of Judges, and they may have misinterpreted a Constitutional Court decision in the process. This brings to fore the issue with quality of judges in the lower courts, and thus raising questions with regards to Indonesia’s justice system. Let’s take a look at the judges who oversaw the blasphemy trial.

On May 9, 2017, the Panel of Judges of the North Jakarta District Court ruled that the Governor of Jakarta Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama was guilty of blasphemy. The public prosecutors, however, previously said that they could not find enough evidence to charge Ahok with blasphemy, and so they charged him with inciting unrest. The Panel’s ruling therefore is more than what the prosecution demanded. The question is, why?

After the Government announced the plan to disband Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI), a lot of parties expressed their concerns. Though many agree with the decision, some wanted the Government to honor the rights of assembly. But the Government does not seem to budge, and even said that this will be a warning for the other Ormas who’d promote anti-Pancasila ideology.

On May 8, 2017, the Government of Indonesia announced the plan to disband the notorious community organization (Ormas) Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). The Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security Wiranto said that HTI had to be disbanded because their activities spurred division in the community, which can threaten security and public order, and endanger the integrity of the Republic. HTI are said to be conducting activities that ran contrary to the objectives, principles and characteristics of the national and state life based on Pancasila. The question, what does the Government really mean when they say they’re disbanding an Ormas? What does a disbandment entail?