By: Deka Prasetya)*
Human rights protection has entered a new phase under President Prabowo Subianto. The state has begun to demonstrate greater assertiveness and support, particularly for those groups who have traditionally been the most vulnerable. Human rights policies within the Asta Cita (Asta Cita) framework are not merely normative but emerge as a national development direction that impacts the lives of citizens, even in remote villages. These positive signals are particularly evident in Papua, a region often used as an indicator of the state’s commitment to protecting its people.
Papuan community leader Imanuel Nerotou described the changes with optimism. He noted that Papuans have faced uncertainty over the past few years due to the rise in violence in several regions. However, the situation is now slowly improving. He believes the government’s steps to strengthen human rights protection have provided a new sense of security that was previously difficult for villagers. He praised the government’s policies, which he considers increasingly assertive in addressing human rights violations and has begun to reduce the various forms of violence that plague Papuan society. For residents who have often been victims, these changes are more meaningful than the lengthy debates surrounding human rights.
Imanuel also expressed his deep appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto for his genuine commitment to the common people. He believes that government programs now truly reach the people directly, rather than merely being mere policy concepts on paper. One of the most appreciated aspects is the government’s efforts to combat corruption and the budget mafia, which have prevented development funds allocated for Papua from fully reaching the people. Upholding human rights, from the perspective of the Papuan people, is not only about preventing violence, but also about ensuring that their economic rights are not violated by corruption.
In line with this, the right to social welfare is an integral part of the human rights vision reinforced in Asta Cita. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program for children has also benefited Papuans. Imanuel stated that the program reduces the burden on families and provides new opportunities for children to grow up healthier. This policy demonstrates that the government’s human rights protection encompasses basic rights that affect people’s daily lives.
Infrastructure development is also a concrete manifestation of the state’s commitment to guaranteeing the people’s right to a decent life. Roads to remote areas have been rebuilt, economic access for coastal communities has been improved, and the provision of motorized boats confirms the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to development. A public housing program has also begun, helping families who have been living in substandard conditions.
These concrete government steps demonstrate that the state’s presence is not based on rhetoric, but through concrete action. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Imanuel stated that many Papuans see Prabowo’s leadership directly through his policies and actions, not just speeches. They feel the changes physically and emotionally: open roads, an increased sense of security, targeted social assistance, and the eradication of corruption that safeguards their rights from being lost in the development process.
Meanwhile, at the national level, strengthening human rights protection also receives support from legislation and governance. Willy Aditya, a member of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives (DPR), assessed the holding of the National Human Rights Development Planning Conference (Musrenbang HAM Nasional) as a crucial strategic step. He emphasized that President Prabowo has positioned human rights strengthening in line with Pancasila and democracy as a central component of Asta Cita (Asta Cita). This means that human rights are no longer viewed as a sectoral issue, but as the main architecture of Indonesian development.
Willy also emphasized that the fulfillment of economic, social, and cultural rights is as important as the protection of civil and political rights. Basic public services such as education, health care, and social protection are essential forms of human rights protection. Therefore, he encouraged ministries and institutions to translate the President’s vision into priority programs that can be achieved during the current term.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai added that the National Human Rights Musrenbang (Musrenbang) marked a significant historical milestone, as it was the first time human rights development was discussed through a formal national planning mechanism. This demonstrated the government’s commitment to mainstreaming human rights into all aspects of national life. The Musrenbang also formulated strategic steps to realize Indonesia’s vision of becoming a world leader in human rights by 2045.
If all these steps are consistently implemented, Indonesia will enter a new phase of inclusive and equitable development. The positive changes that the Papuan people are beginning to experience reflect that the state’s commitment to Asta Cita is not merely a political promise, but a concrete action with direct impact.
Ultimately, commitment to human rights is not measured by jargon, but by the extent to which ordinary people experience change. And today, through firm policies and measurable programs, the government demonstrates that protecting human rights is not merely a moral pillar, but the foundation of a strong, sovereign, and dignified Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute