Markus Junianto Sihaloho – The Defense Ministry on Wednesday criticized a statement by activists and the Press Council calling for a rethinking of the State Secrecy Bill, saying that no one should try to influence public opinion to prevent the bill's passage by exploiting other issues.
Agus Sudibyo, of the People's Alliance Against Regime Of Secrecy (Ammrk), told a public discussion on Tuesday that keeping secret information that deserves to be made public showed that state institutions were in support of a "regime" shrouded in secrecy.
The activists urged the House of Representatives and the Ministry of Defense, which is deliberating the bill, to consider the powerful public reaction that followed the recent playback of wiretapped conversations by the Constitutional Court.
The conversations between a businessman, officials and others, showed an apparent attempt to engineer a criminal case against two anti-graft officers. They were taped by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK.) The ensuing public outcry led President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to call for a thorough and independent investigation.
Responding to the statement, the spokesman for the Defense Ministry, Brig. Gen. Slamet Hariyanto, claimed that it was not appropriate for anyone to use the wiretapped recordings to direct public opinion on the state secrecy bill.
"We don't agree that the wiretapped recording issue should be twisted by certain people, including Agus Sudibyo and his friends, to direct public opinion in rejecting the State Secrecy Bill," Slamet said. "What is their purpose behind the statement?"
He said the ministry has never opposed efforts of civil society groups to establish transparency and accountability to eradicate corruption. However, he said, such efforts must be conducted through the right channels.
"Please don't corner the government or the House of Representatives while they are doing their legislative duties, by trying to build public opinion aimed at preventing the legislation of the State Secrecy Bill."
Commenting on the Defense Ministry's reaction, Agus said the ministry would be wiser to determine what the public actually wants regarding the State Secrecy Bill issue. "If they are wise enough to read our statements, they should change their previous State Secrecy Bill draft, and openly announce it to the public," he said.
Agus said the existing draft of the State Secrecy Bill ran contrary to the spirit of democracy, the free press, and the eradication of corruption.
"They must prove that they will harmonize the bill with the aspirations of civil society as had previously been promised by the president," he said.
The State Secrecy Bill would give the government the authority to limit public access to specific documents, information, activities and objects that have been declared state secrets by the president.