In Indonesia, an environmental activist in Central Java’s Karimunjawa Islands, Daniel Frits Maurits Tangkilisan, has recently been convicted of hate speech for his opposition to shrimp farming in the area. This ruling, handed down by the Jepara District Court in Central Java, has sparked controversy among activists who argue that it highlights the government’s failure to uphold speech protections for critics.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Daniel Tangkilisan was found guilty of spreading hate speech online under Article 45A of the 2016 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. The court sentenced him to seven months in prison and imposed a 5 million rupiah (USD 315) fine. Notably, this sentence was lighter than the prosecutors’ initial demand of 10 months in prison.

The controversy arose when Daniel uploaded a video on Facebook depicting the polluted condition of Cemara beach in the Karimunjawa Islands, attributing the pollution to chemical waste from shrimp farms in the vicinity. In response to a comment on his video, he remarked that residents of the area had “otak udang” (shrimp brains) for enjoying free shrimp from such farms.

Activist’s Perspective

Daniel’s intention was to draw attention to the environmental degradation caused by shrimp farming in the region. However, some residents of Karimunjawa alleged that his remarks constituted hate speech, leading to his prosecution.

The conviction of Daniel Tangkilisan has prompted outcry from activists who argue that his case underscores broader issues surrounding freedom of expression in Indonesia. They contend that instead of addressing environmental concerns raised by activists, the government has chosen to silence dissenting voices.