Ahmad Taufan Damanik, the Chairman of the National Commission on\nHuman Rights (Komnas HAM) for the 2017-2022 period, believes that the\nHuman Rights Bill (RUU HAM) is a vital step in addressing contemporary\nchallenges and the evolving landscape of human rights issues over the\nlast two decades. He stated that the bill does not merely update the\nnorms within Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, but also strengthens\nstate obligations, expands protections for vulnerable groups, and\nregulates corporate responsibility in respecting human rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe revision of the Human Rights Law is highly necessary,\u201d said\nAhmad, quoting Antara on Thursday (30\/7). According to him, various new\nissues\u2014such as the impact of corruption on the fulfilment of citizens\u2019\nrights, environmental degradation, the protection of the elderly, and\nthe rights of minority groups\u2014are now essential components that must be\naccommodated in the regulation. He noted that Law Number 39 of 1999 was\ndrafted in a different context than current conditions, meaning the new\nbill must incorporate recent developments to ensure human rights\nprotections remain relevant.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that the revision would also clarify the division of\nroles between state institutions. Taufan explained that the Human Rights\nBill does not grant new powers to specific ministries or agencies, but\nrather reinforces the state\u2019s duty to respect, protect, fulfil, enforce,\nand promote human rights. Meanwhile, Komnas HAM will remain positioned\nas an independent institution performing its oversight (check and\nbalance) function regarding the implementation of state obligations.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he revealed that the Human Rights Bill introduces\nseveral significant updates, including designating corporations as\nsubjects with responsibilities toward human rights, strengthening the\nweight of Komnas HAM\u2019s recommendations, providing protection for human\nrights defenders, and accommodating international human rights law\ndevelopments, including regulations on the limitation of rights based on\nthe Siracusa Principles under certain circumstances. One of the bill\u2019s\ndrafters defended the process against claims of a lack of public\nparticipation, stating that meaningful participation is currently being\ndemonstrated through academic engagement.<\/p>\n
Juniarti Aritonang, Director of Legal Aid and People\u2019s Advocacy in\nNorth Sumatra (Bakumsu), stated that the revision is an urgent need\ngiven that the current regulation has been in place for over 25 years.\nHowever, she emphasised that the updating of legal norms must be\naccompanied by strong implementation to ensure human rights protections\nare truly felt by the community. She expressed support for the changes,\nparticularly the recognition of protections for indigenous peoples and\nfarmers, as well as the strengthened regulations on corporate\nresponsibility.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, she hopes these provisions will be further clarified to\nensure greater effectiveness in human rights enforcement in Indonesia.\nShe also reminded that the discussion process must uphold the principle\nof meaningful participation by maintaining transparency and consistency\nin the academic papers and the bill\u2019s draft. The Human Rights Bill,\nwhich is a revision of Law Number 39 of 1999, is included in the\nNational Legislation Programme (Prolegnas) and is targeted for\nratification in 2026. The process is currently in the stage of public\ntesting and substantive discussions with academics and relevant\ninstitutions.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/former-komnas-ham-chair-believes-human-rights-law-revision-is-essential-1785432524", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }