KAJIAN ETIKA HUKUM DALAM PENEGAKAN HUKUM TERHADAP PELANGGARAN KEBEBASAN BERPENDAPAT DI MEDIA SOSIAL

Abstract

This study examines legal ethics in law enforcement concerning violations of freedom of expression on social media in Palangka Raya City, Indonesia. It aims to analyze the relationship between legal enforcement, ethical considerations, and the protection of citizens’ right to freedom of expression in the digital sphere. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Participants were purposively selected from social media users, law enforcement officers, and academics. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation and analyzed thematically by comparing the emerging findings with the applicable legal framework. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation and member checking. The findings reveal that 70% of participating social media users perceived existing regulations and law enforcement practices as restricting their freedom of expression. Furthermore, 60% of law enforcement participants reported dilemmas in handling cases involving online expression, while 80% of respondents considered public understanding of digital communication ethics to be inadequate. Approximately 40% of participants lacked knowledge of regulations governing online expression, and 55% of social media users were reluctant to express their opinions because of possible legal consequences. These findings indicate that regulatory ambiguity, limited legal literacy, and insufficient understanding of digital ethics contribute to self-censorship and declining public participation. The study concludes that law enforcement must be transparent, contextual, ethical, and proportionate. Regulatory clarification, improved competence among law enforcement officers, and strengthened public education on legal and digital ethics are required to balance freedom of expression, individual rights, and public order.