Fajar Pebrianto, Jakarta – The Law and Human Rights Ministry's director general of human rights Dhahana Putra on Tuesday openly criticized Lampung Governor Arinal Djunaidi who reportedly took legal action against criticism coming from a vocal Indonesian TikTok user Bima Yudho Saputro aimed at the Lampung regional government.
Bima's main criticism was over the stagnant infrastructure development in the region led by Arinal.
Dhahana Putra insisted that Bima's content on social platforms, despite the explosive delivery, is still considered legitimate criticism and asserted that such an act is guaranteed in the country's democratic law protecting freedom of speech.
"It is a key element in human rights that are guaranteed under our constitution," said Dhahana in a written statement on April 18.
Bima Yudho Saputro who currently resides in Australia released a sub-4-minute video on his TikTok social media account @awbimaxreborn where he expressed his disappointment with the conditions in his hometown of Lampung. He highlighted the lack of progress which can be traced to infrastructure issues and also the problem of the education system.
An advocate named Gindha Ansori Wayka then reported Bima Yudho Saputro to the Lampung Police and alleges Bima of violating the Electronic Information and Transaction Law (ITE Law) and disseminating false information.
Gindha was later to be found linked to Governor Arinal because he had been the governor's attorney. But in several national media, Gindha denied that the complaint he filed to the police against the TikToker was ordered by the governor.
Due to the legal backlash from the Lampung administration against Bima on social media, many public figures and political figures have openly declared their support for Bhima. Apart from Dhahana, others who showed support were the Bandar Lampung Legal Aid (LBH) and the Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD.