Jakarta — The government has affirmed its commitment to strengthening human rights protection in Indonesia. Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, stated that strengthening the role of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) will be a top priority in the revision of the Human Rights Law currently underway.
Natalius Pigai explained that the Ministry of Human Rights is currently compiling a Problem Inventory List (DIM) for the Human Rights Bill, which will replace Law Number 39 of 1999. This step is considered to align with public aspirations, particularly 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, particularly Komnas HAM,” he said.
He emphasized that the revision of the Human Rights Law is designed to ensure that Komnas HAM’s recommendations are no longer considered mere formalities. In the future, every recommendation issued through the National Commission on Human Rights Plenary Session will be binding and must be followed up by the relevant parties.
“The recommendations issued are not just a piece of paper. If they are not implemented, there will be strict sanctions,” he said.
To date, Komnas HAM recommendations have often been ignored, even though they are based on clear investigations into alleged human rights violations. According to Natalius Pigai, the lack of consequences makes recommendations lose their bargaining power. With the revision of the Human Rights Law, every state institution, without exception, including the police, will be subject to sanctions if proven to have ignored Komnas HAM recommendations.
“For example, if the police continue to use excessive force that results in human rights violations, sanctions can be imposed,” he stressed.
This strengthening measure has also attracted attention from human rights observers. Beka Ulung Hapsara, a Komnas HAM commissioner for the 2017–2022 period, previously highlighted the police’s tendency to ignore Komnas HAM’s input. In fact, before the 2020 term, the institution had submitted recommendations regarding 744 complaints allegedly involving violations by the Bhayangkara Corps.
Furthermore, a series of high-profile cases have drawn attention, including alleged human rights violations during the demonstrations of May 21–23, 2019, demonstrating the urgency of strengthening the position of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
With the revision of the Human Rights Law, the government hopes that human rights protection will be stronger, more effective, and more aligned with the demands of civil society. The aspirations of the 17+8 Movement, which demanded justice and legal certainty for victims of human rights violations, are now gaining momentum through this government action.
Strengthening Komnas HAM not only emphasizes the institution’s role but also demonstrates the state’s commitment to humanitarian principles. In this way, Indonesia increasingly demonstrates itself as a nation that upholds democracy, justice, and respect for human rights for all its citizens. –
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