Indonesian House Prioritizes Citizen Rights in Human Rights Law Revision

The Indonesian House of Representatives is prioritizing citizen welfare in its revision of the Human Rights Law, emphasizing that the process should bolster protections rather than become a battleground for institutional authority. Willy Aditya, Chairman of Commission XIII, stated that the revision of Law Number 39 of 1999 aims to enhance the promotion, protection, fulfillment, and respect of human rights for all citizens.

Aditya stressed that the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and independent human rights bodies should reinforce human rights protection in Indonesia. He highlighted the need for clear task division between these entities to improve the quality of human rights protection for the public. "If the revision of the Human Rights Law is reduced to a mere discussion of sectoral authority between state institutions, it will not benefit citizens. We must move together for the citizens, not for institutions," he asserted.

Commission XIII of the House, as a working partner to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), pledges to ensure the revision strengthens human rights promotion, protection, fulfillment, and respect in Indonesia. Aditya also guaranteed that the House would open avenues for public participation in the deliberations, viewing public input and debates as crucial for refining the draft law. He invited the public, institutions, and individuals interested in human rights issues to submit their suggestions to the House through online media or official meetings.

However, Komnas HAM Chairman Anis Hidayah expressed concern, stating that the commission was not involved in drafting the revision by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Hidayah claimed the 63-page draft does not represent Komnas HAM's input, despite the commission's status as an independent body directly impacted by any changes to the Human Rights Law. Conversely, Minister of Law and Human Rights Natalius Pigai refuted claims of weakening Komnas HAM's authority, asserting that the ministry's draft actually strengthens the independent body, even granting it its own investigators.