Avit Hidayat, Jakarta – A civil society group will reportedly reject the decision of Coordinating Minister of Politics, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto upon forming a legal assistance team, which they deem an abuse of the law.

"It will be done in gradual steps, but so far we saw similar reactions from the civil society groups," said the head of advocacy at the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) Muhammad Isnur to Tempo on Monday.

According to Isnur, the complaints that often arose is that Wiranto's special team could reinstate Indonesia's now extinct New Order regime. However, he said that YLBHI is in talks with other social groups to sit together and discuss the matter. "Maybe next week," said Isnur.

Wiranto formed the legal assistance team in the midst of the massive protests made against the 2019 general elections which resulted in a number of arrests made against Prabowo – Sandiaga Uno's campaign team members for allegedly forming a coup against the government.

The team will bear three main functions, such as studying and giving attention to verbal statements and physical acts that violate the law following the end of the 2019 general elections. The team will provide report updates for Wiranto.

YLBHI deems the formation of such a team is dangerous for fair law enforcement since the team is formed without a clear legal basis and seems like a form of government intervention on Indonesia's law enforcement.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1205204/civil-organizations-reject-wirantos-legal-assistance-team