House commences screening candidates for rights body

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.