DPR Commission XIII Asserts HAM Law Revision Not a Power Struggle

DPR Commission XIII Chair Willy Aditya has asserted that the revision of Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights (UU HAM) is not a power struggle between government institutions.

He stated that the HAM law revision aims to strengthen human rights protections and public interests, and has been included in the DPR’s National Legislative Programme.

‘If the HAM law revision is reduced to mere inter-agency jurisdictional disputes, it would not serve citizens’ interests. We must act collectively for the people, not for institutions,’ Willy said in a written statement.

He explained that the existence of the Ministry of Human Rights and national human rights commissions should be an opportunity to advance human rights in Indonesia.

Therefore, he said, the division of duties between ministries and independent bodies must be directed towards improving the quality of human rights protection for citizens.

Additionally, he stated that his commission will open wide public participation in the revision discussions, with public input and debates forming part of the legislative refinement process.

‘I have been following media reports and informal discussions on the HAM law revision. Some aspects are progressive, while others need strengthening or amendment. In the DPR, we will ensure maximum public involvement,’ he said.

Previously, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) had requested that the revision of Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights strengthen the mandate and effectiveness of national human rights institutions in protection and enforcement.