Yudhoyonos English Speeches Illegal

JAKARTA Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos preference for delivering speeches in English at several international events has sparked a debate in the local media.

The matter is being argued based on a 2009 law which stipulates that the president, vice-president and state officials are required to use the Indonesian language when making official speeches.

The law was translated into a presidential regulation last year.

Indonesias Constitutional Court chief justice Mahfud MD was quoted by The Jakarta Post as saying that Yudhoyonos speeches in English were in violation of the law.

The regulation says that Indonesian language should be spoken (by government officials) at international meetings, said Mahfud.

The presidents most recent speech delivered in English was on Wednesday when he addressed the opening of the 16th ministerial conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Postings on his official website showed that Yudhoyono had delivered many English speeches since the regulation was issued, and the list did not include several state dinners, particularly when he hosted one for United States President Barack Obama in November last year.

Legislator Benny Kabur Harman, from Yudhoyonos Democrat Party, however, said the presidents choice to speak in English before international audiences was appropriate.

Former chief justice of the Constitutional Court, Jimly Ashiddiqie, agreed with Mahfuds view but felt that it was not appropriate for a judge to become an overseer on the matter of the language that the president uses.

Members of the house of representatives were the ones who should play the role, he said.

Jimly noted that the laws on the usage of Indonesian language did not carry criminal sanctions but merely a law that provides guidance.

Communications expert Effendi Ghazali said Yudhoyono should be given a choice to speak in English for many reasons, including for his future prospects as an international l! eader.

English should be allowed to be used in certain contexts, like during multinational forums. But if the law states that the Indonesian language is compulsory, then the president must be reminded of the requirement, he added.

BERNAMA