By: Andi Ramli )*
The government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to making the protection of Human Rights (HAM) the main foundation in the national development process.
A concrete step that marks this new era is the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights (Kementerian HAM), a breakthrough that reflects the government’s seriousness in integrating human rights principles into every strategic policy.
This approach not only reflects the current government’s determination to fulfill the basic rights of the people, but also shows a real effort to create more equitable social justice.
Former member of Komnas HAM for the 2012-2017 period, Siane Indriani, assessed that the initiative to form this special ministry was a revolutionary step that had never been taken by previous governments. According to her, President Prabowo showed seriousness in placing the fulfillment of economic, social, and cultural rights (Ekosob) as the main priority of development.
Programs such as the construction of three million houses for low-income communities, a 6.5 percent increase in the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR), and an increase in teacher allowances are real evidence that the government is not only oriented towards infrastructure development, but also focuses on improving the quality of life of the people. Siane also noted that the existence of the Ministry of Culture is an important element in maintaining the nation’s identity while strengthening humanitarian values.
Furthermore, Siane emphasized that respect for human rights without discrimination is the main foundation in building a just and civilized nation. This principle must be applied regardless of social, cultural, religious, or other identity backgrounds. In this regard, the government under the leadership of Prabowo-Gibran has shown that equality and social justice are non-negotiable priorities.
Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, emphasized that every development policy must be based on the values of human rights, democracy, justice, and peace. In an audience with the Indonesian Cyber Media Network (JMSI), Pigai explained that his ministry is currently formulating a strategic policy to strengthen human rights protection in Indonesia. This step, according to Pigai, is expected to be a guide for all stakeholders in ensuring respect for the rights of every individual.
Pigai also highlighted the important role of the media in building public awareness of human rights. For him, the media, especially digital media, has a big influence in shaping public opinion and strengthening national solidarity. He hopes that the media can continue to be a bridge between the government and the people, so that the values of justice and humanity can be conveyed effectively.
In addition, Pigai sees the need to strengthen the bureaucracy at the ministerial level to support the implementation of human rights-based policies. With almost two decades of experience in the bureaucratic world, he is confident that he can carry out this task without significant obstacles. For him, every ministry employee has a strategic role in ensuring that policy implementation runs smoothly.
On the other hand, Deputy for Development Control of the Indonesian Capital City Authority (IKN), Thomas Umbu Pati, provided an interesting perspective on the development of the IKN based on human rights values. In a meeting between the IKN Authority and Komnas HAM, both parties agreed to make human rights protection a central element in every stage of development in the Sepaku area.
Thomas explained that orderly spatial planning and community involvement are the main focus in the IKN development process. Close collaboration between the IKN Authority and Komnas HAM, including in employee training and dialogue with the community, is an important step to create inclusive development.
Komnas HAM provided strategic input on the importance of community participation and transparent monitoring in development. Both parties also agreed to share relevant data and information, which is expected to form the basis for more sustainable policies.
Thomas said that the collaboration was a step forward in ensuring that the development of the IKN was not only oriented towards physical progress, but also based on humanitarian values.
The Prabowo-Gibran government has not only made human rights protection a discourse, but has implemented it in real terms in various strategic policies. The establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights is a symbol of the government’s seriousness in ensuring that the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.
Human rights-based development is not only important to create social justice at the national level, but also to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the international arena. By demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian values, the current government sends a strong message that Indonesia is ready to be a role model in building a just and dignified nation.
The momentum must be maintained so that the grand vision of the Prabowo-Gibran government can be fully realized. The progressive policies that have been implemented, from strengthening Ecosoc rights to cross-institutional collaboration in the development of the IKN, provide new hope for the Indonesian people.
By continuing to strengthen its commitment to human rights, the government is not only building physical infrastructure, but also strengthening the foundation of humanitarian values that are the basis for a better future for the nation.
In a broader context, human rights protection is the essence of sustainable development. The government not only responds to current needs, but also prepares future generations to live in a just, prosperous and peaceful environment.
With the spirit carried by the Prabowo-Gibran government, Indonesia seems to be on the right track to becoming a more inclusive and highly competitive country in the future.
)* National Political Analyst – National Political Studies ForumIndonesian democracy