INTERNET ACCESS RESTRICTIONS IN PAPUA; GOVERNMENT POLICY AND VIOLATIONS AGAINST PRESS FREEDOM

Abstract

This research explores how internet access restrictions lead to press freedom violations and how national and international law view restrictions on internet access in the status quo. This normative juridical research employed a descriptive-analytical method to gain comprehensive conclusion. In reference to both international law and positive Indonesian law, the government's efforts to prevent the spread of fake news and incitement are allowed. However, the restriction of internet access in Papua and West Papua was flawed for not following the procedures. This research concludes that the hate speech that occurred in Surabaya against Papuan students has resulted in riots in Papua and West Papua. In dealing with the spread of fake news and incitement related to this incident, the government has committed violations of press freedom and violated the procedure of as stipulated in the national and international law.