Between Democracy and Authoritarianism: The Increasingly Restricted Freedom of Expression

Abstract

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed by law, but in Indonesia today it is increasingly restricted. As a country that adheres to a democratic system, freedom of speech should be the main pillar of state life. However, various regulations and social dynamics show a narrowing of public discussion space. This paper aims to analyze how freedom of speech in a democratic system in Indonesia is increasingly restricted and to what extent these restrictions reflect the characteristics of authoritarianism. The method used is a literature review, namely by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing various relevant reference sources. This paper discusses the concepts of democracy and authoritarianism, the relationship between the two, and offers solutions to strengthen freedom of speech within the framework of democracy in Indonesia.