Government Ensures Human Rights and Democracy Protection in Accordance with 17+8 Aspirations
By: Bara Winatha*)
Human rights protection is not merely a normative discourse, but a constitutional mandate that must be fulfilled by every country. In line with the 17+8 Aspirations, the government affirms its commitment to maintaining a balance between civil liberties and law enforcement. This aspiration emphasizes the importance of protecting citizens’ basic rights, especially in dynamic socio-political situations, without sacrificing national stability and public security.
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections of Indonesia, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that the government ensures that all steps in handling the national situation are carried out within the law and uphold human rights principles. President Prabowo Subianto instructed security forces to take a firm stance only against those who exploit democratic space to commit crimes, such as incitement, destruction of public facilities, and arson. Peaceful demonstrations remain fully protected, but criminal acts must not be tolerated, as they can undermine the foundations of democratic life. This affirmation also closes the door for those attempting to distort law enforcement under the guise of freedom of expression.
The government’s stance, conveyed through Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights, Impas, emphasizes two important points. First, the state continues to recognize freedom of assembly and expression as constitutional rights. Second, the state has an obligation to protect the wider community from the negative impacts of excessive anarchic actions. In this way, the government strives to apply the principle of proportionality in law enforcement, ensuring that officials do not resort to repression but remain firm in dealing with clear violations of the law.
The Deputy Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Otto Hasibuan, stated that the government’s commitment to human rights is an essential foundation for creating a healthy democracy. He stated that freedom of expression is a vital element in national life, but that freedom should not be understood as unlimited. Otto emphasized that each individual’s freedom is always limited by the rights of others and by the broader public interest. He views the 17+8 Aspiration as a balanced formulation between the protection of civil liberties and the need to maintain public order.
The government’s consistency in upholding human rights will strengthen public trust in democracy. The public is given ample space to express their aspirations and input on government policies in a legitimate and dignified manner. However, this criticism must be conveyed in a legitimate and dignified manner. This way, political dynamics do not degenerate into social instability. Indonesia can serve as an example of how democracy grows alongside respect for human rights, not the other way around.
The Executive Director of the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), Atnike Nova Sigiro, stated that respect for human rights is not only a legal obligation but also an absolute requirement for the legitimacy of democratic governance. She emphasized that strengthening human rights is a prerequisite for increasing public trust and strengthening the government’s political legitimacy. Therefore, Atnike encouraged the government to go beyond verbal commitments to implementing policies that are truly felt by the public.
Atnike also highlighted the importance of civil society participation in overseeing the enforcement of human rights. She stated that the 17+8 aspirations can only be realized if the public is given space to actively participate in the decision-making process. The government continues to strengthen accountability mechanisms, including through policy transparency and information disclosure. In this way, the government continues to encourage the public to play an active role as a strategic partner in determining the direction of national development. This view reinforces the notion that the government has a significant responsibility to ensure that human rights remain a fundamental principle in all policies.
The 17+8 aspirations themselves serve as moral and political guidelines for strengthening Indonesian democracy. These aspirations demand that the state protect civil and political rights, such as freedom of opinion, association, and assembly, while also guaranteeing economic, social, and cultural rights. Thus, the government will not only focus on security aspects but will also continue to ensure that citizens’ basic rights are fulfilled in their daily lives.
At the same time, the public also bears a significant responsibility for maintaining the quality of democracy. Freedom of expression must be used wisely, not abused to spread hatred, disinformation, or disrupt public order. A healthy democracy requires critical yet constructive public participation. In this way, human rights are seen not only as rights demanded by the state, but also as obligations.A burden that must be safeguarded together.
Enforcing human rights in accordance with the 17+8 Aspirations ultimately represents a rational middle path. The state will not allow freedom to turn into anarchy, nor will it use security as an excuse to restrict civil rights. This middle path demands professionalism from officials, consistent policies, and active public participation. As long as all parties maintain this balance, Indonesian democracy will mature and the government’s legitimacy will strengthen. Thus, the 17+8 Aspirations serve not only as a guideline but also as a moral compass to ensure the nation’s direction remains aligned with universal human rights values.
Within this framework, the government’s commitment to guaranteeing human rights in accordance with the 17+8 Aspirations is commendable. Support from various figures, from government officials and politicians to human rights activists, demonstrates a national consensus that human rights are a non-negotiable pillar. This consensus is crucial for Indonesia to move forward as a strong, stable, and just democratic nation.
*)The author is a social and community observer.
