Jakarta – The government has emphasized that human rights protection is a top priority on the national agenda. Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stated that the role of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) will be strengthened through the revision of the Human Rights Law currently under discussion.
According to Pigai, this strengthening of Komnas HAM aligns with public aspirations, including the 17+8 civil demands previously voiced in the House of Representatives (DPR).
“What we are presenting is a law that covers all aspects of human rights, including strengthening institutions, including Komnas HAM,” he said.
Pigai emphasized that the revised law will make Komnas HAM’s recommendations binding.
To date, recommendations issued have often not been implemented despite having a strong basis.
“Recommendations issued through the Komnas HAM Plenary Session are binding and binding on those who receive them,” he said.
He added that institutions that ignore the recommendations will be subject to sanctions, including the police if proven to have committed violations.
“If they are not followed up, there will be sanctions too,” said Pigai.
“For example, if the police continue to use excessive force, resulting in human rights violations against citizens,” he added.
President Prabowo Subianto also emphasized his commitment to protecting human rights regarding the large demonstrations that ended in riots in late August 2025. The President confirmed that he would not form a Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) and would entrust the handling of the case to six National Human Rights Institutions (LNHAM), which had already established independent fact-finding teams.
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas), Yusril Ihza Mahendra, explained that the President welcomed this move.
“The President welcomes the formation of the Independent Fact-Finding Team by the six State Human Rights Institutions (LN-HAM). The President allows the team to work independently, transparently, and objectively,” he said.
Yusril added that the six institutions have a stronger standing than the TGPF because they were established by law, not just a Presidential Decree.
The six institutions are the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), the Indonesian Ombudsman (ORI), the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), and the National Commission on Disabilities (KND).
The Chairperson of Komnas HAM, Anis Hidayah, explained that the independent team was formed to ensure a serious and comprehensive investigation.
“Therefore, we, the six institutions, have jointly decided to form an independent team of national human rights institutions to investigate the facts related to the demonstrations and riots of August-September 2025,” said Anis.
He emphasized that each institution focuses on different vulnerable groups, so the resulting report is expected to provide a comprehensive picture of the incident. —
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