Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Presidential Communication Office (PCO) denied claims that the government is intolerant of criticism, following the removal of an opinion article and allegations of intimidation against its author.

“Opinion pieces have never been a problem for the government. We don’t file complaints about them. In fact, we welcome more,” said PCO Head Hasan Nasbi on Monday, as quoted by antaranews.com 

The article titled “Generals in Civilian Posts: Where Is Merit in the Civil Service?” was reportedly taken down by a national media outlet after the writer, a graduate student at the University of Indonesia, sought protection from the Press Council due to alleged threats.

According to the writer, two incidents occurred last week: being sideswiped while taking his child to school and later being kicked off a motorcycle by an unidentified helmeted motorist.

Hasan urged legal clarity on the intimidation claims, asserting the government’s commitment to human rights and press freedom under national law and the Constitution.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)