DPR Member: HAM Law Revision Must Prioritise Citizens' Rights Over Power Struggles

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Chairman of DPR Commission XIII Willy Aditya stated that the revision of the Human Rights Law (UU HAM) must focus on strengthening citizens’ rights protection, not merely a battleground for inter-institutional power struggles.

Willy said discussions on revising Law No. 39 of 1999 should not get bogged down in sectoral disputes between ministries and state institutions.

‘This HAM law revision must serve the citizens’ interests above all, not the sectoral interests of ministries or Komnas HAM. We must focus on expanding the promotion, protection, fulfilment, and respect for human rights,’ Willy told Kompas.com on Thursday (28 May 2026).

He added that the division of responsibilities between ministries and independent institutions should enhance the quality of human rights protection in the country.

‘If the HAM law revision is reduced to discussions about institutional jurisdiction, it would not benefit citizens. We must act together for the people, not for the institutions,’ he said.

Willy stressed that DPR Commission XIII will carry out its legislative function to ensure the HAM law revision truly strengthens the promotion, protection, fulfilment, and respect for human rights in Indonesia.

He asserted that citizens’ rights must take precedence over debates about which institution holds specific authority.

‘I have followed media reports and informal discussions on the HAM law revision content. Some aspects are progressive, while others need strengthening or amendment. In the DPR, we will provide maximum opportunities for public participation,’ he explained.

Therefore, he assessed that public debates on the substance of the HAM law revision are part of the policy drafting process.

‘The public will also be formally invited to participate through various mechanisms, including DPR’s online media, hearings, and others. Therefore, institutions or individuals concerned should prepare their input for the DPR,’ Willy concluded.

Previously reported, National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) Chair Anis Hidayah said the draft Human Rights Law prepared by the Ministry of Law weakens Komnas HAM’s duties and undermines its independence.

‘The HAM bill draft weakens Komnas HAM’s duties and authority through several provisions,’ Anis stated in a written statement on Tuesday (26 May 2026).