Indonesia's Human Rights Minister: Civil Society, Not Government, Should Define Activists

As reported by Tempo, Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has asserted that the government has no right to define who is a human rights activist. Pigai emphasized that this crucial determination should rest with civil society and independent commissions, not the state. This stance comes as Pigai considers forming an advisory team for human rights activists, aiming to refine claims and prevent the misuse of activist status in legal proceedings.

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Kriteria siapa pembela HAM dan siapa tidak, itu masyarakat sipil dengan Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia, Komnas Perempuan, Komnas Anak, dan Komisi Disabilitas yang menentukan. Bukan pemerintah yang menentukan.

The proposed criteria for identifying a human rights activist, according to Pigai, would focus on the context of their actions during specific events and would exclude those who receive income for their activities. The state, in turn, would offer protection to individuals who advocate for public human rights interests without financial compensation. Pigai clarified that if an individual is found to be working for payment, even while engaged in human rights advocacy, they would not be classified as a human rights activist under these criteria.

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Bisa saja seorang aktivis HAM, pada saat tertentu tim asesor menemukan bahwa dia bekerja, meskipun status dia sebagai aktivis HAM, pada saat dia bekerja atas bayaran, itu tidak bisa jadi aktivis HAM.

Pigai further explained that under the human rights protection system, the government must not interfere with civil matters, including the designation of human rights defenders. He stated, "It is highly impossible for the government to get involved in regulating, let alone determining whether you are a human rights defender or not, whether you are an activist or not. It is impossible for the government to get involved." However, he stressed the government's obligation to enact laws that ensure the protection of human rights defenders, asserting that through such regulations, the state would indeed protect them.

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Sangat tidak mungkin pemerintah masuk mengatur, apalagi menentukan kamu pembela HAM dan kamu tidak, kamu aktivis atau kamu tidak. Tidak mungkin pemerintah masuk.

The Ministry of Human Rights has proposed a clause in the Human Rights Bill stating that human rights defenders should not be prosecuted, provided they meet specific criteria. These criteria include acting without payment, for the public interest, without using violence, and during a time when someone requires assistance. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding those who champion human rights, while maintaining clear standards for their designation and protection.

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Mereka yang berada pada saat melakukan pembelaan terhadap yang membutuhkan pertolongan dengan memenuhi kriteria yang pasti, tanpa dibayar, untuk kepentingan umum, tidak dengan cara kekerasan, sudah dipastikan tidak boleh dipidana.