On human rights<\/p>\n
With Human Rights Day right at our doorstep it is interesting
\n-- and rather disconcerting -- to look at some of the figures the
\nInstitute for Social Study and Advocacy has compiled over the
\npast five years.<\/p>\n
As made public by the institute's executive director, Abdul
\nHakim G. Nusantara, at a news conference on Thursday, 164 bans on
\nthe free expression of opinion were issued during the past five
\nyears, which makes for an average of one ban every 11 days. They
\nwere imposed on a variety of activities ranging from discussions,
\nlectures and seminars to stage performances and publications.
\nOver that same period, 130 violations of the right to assemble
\nwere committed by security officials.<\/p>\n
Those actions, which were taken by security officials in the
\nname of maintaining public order and national stability, reflect
\nthe general attitude of disregard which, sadly enough, still
\nseems to prevail among officialdom in this country. Moreover, the
\ncheerless statistics reflect only part of the human rights
\nviolations that have been committed during that period. Many
\nother cases of rights violations, such as the use of force or
\neven torture against offenders and suspected delinquents, remain
\nobscure.<\/p>\n
It must be admitted that considerable progress has been made
\nin the past few years with regard to the protection of human
\nrights in Indonesia. The National Commission on Human Rights,
\nwhose independence had initially been doubted by many because it
\nwas established by presidential initiative, has proven itself to
\nbe quite active in protecting the rights of the ordinary
\nIndonesian citizen.<\/p>\n
It does seem that the recognition of human rights, as an
\ninseparable part of life in any nation that calls itself
\ncivilized, is gradually growing in our society. Although not in
\nexplicit terms, the principle of respect for human rights is
\ncontained in this country's Constitution. The Pancasila state
\nphilosophy places just and civilized humanity as one of the five
\npillars of our nation and state. Also, Indonesia has either
\nsigned or ratified a number of international instruments for the
\nprotection of human rights and more can be expected.<\/p>\n
This growing Indonesian commitment towards implementing
\ninternational conventions regarding the subject is an encouraging
\nsign, despite the apparent reluctance in many segments of our
\nofficialdom to relinquish power. Putting the principles into
\npractice has so far remained an obstacle which many of us have
\nnot been able to overcome. All too often the national ideology
\nPancasila, with its recognition of the dignity of man, remains no
\nmore than a convenient motto that is used to suit the need of the
\nmoment.<\/p>\n
The process obviously needs time. It would be well to keep in
\nmind that changes here are occurring more rapidly due to domestic
\nprogress as well as outside influences. Expediting the process
\nwould benefit us all and also raise our standing in the world
\ncommunity of nations.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-human-rights-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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