House commences screening candidates for rights body

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The House of Representatives (DPR) began on Wednesday the interview process for 43 candidates, including some noted rights activists, as prospective members of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).

Of that number, the legislators will pick 35 people as stipulated by the Law No.39/1999 on Human Rights.

"We will find out whether the candidates fully understand human rights issues," said Ferry Mursyidan Baldan, deputy chairman of House's Commission II for justice and rights affairs.

During Wednesday's hearing, legislators enthusiastically questioned the candidates. The queries ranged from the wealth of the candidates to their views on human rights.

According to Ferry, each candidate had earlier submitted a paper on human rights.

Among the figures that underwent examination on Wednesday were long-time human rights campaigners such as Todung Mulya Lubis, Hendardi, Zoemrotin, Wardah Hafidz and Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara.

During the hearing, Todung explained that the legislature and the government should be more proactive in empowering Komnas Ham.

He stated that the existing law on human rights gave subpoena rights to the commission, but that power could not be executed without the help of police officials.

"This remains a big problem," said Todung during the hearing.

Asked if he would stand as a lawyer for any client suspected of committing human rights abuses, Todung said he would not.

Meanwhile, Hendardi said that the effectiveness of the rights commission was affected by the political dynamics between the legislative and executive branches.

Meantime, Garuda Nusantara added that the current condition was not conducive to promote human rights appreciation.

Legislators will continue their screening on Thursday, Friday, and Tuesday to examine other candidates.