House Commission XIII Reminds Pigai: Human Rights Defenders Need Protection

Deputy Chair of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dewi Asmara, is pushing for a firm government stance in rejecting violence against human rights fighters. This stance can be realised through the acceleration of comprehensive regulations.

She conveyed this during a constructive input session at the Working Meeting with the Ministry of Human Rights on Tuesday (7/4/2026). Dewi highlighted the disparity between the government’s reactive attitude and the slow progress in creating regulations to protect human rights defenders.

Dewi referred to the presentation by Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, who strongly condemned the case of dangerous liquid being thrown at Deputy Coordinator of Kontras, Andrie Yunus. “We agree that there should be no room for violence in a democratic country. However, as Minister (Pigai), a mere condemnation is not enough,” Dewi said at the meeting, quoted in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

Dewi explained the ironic fact written in the Ministry of Human Rights’ presentation document. On page 20, she said, Minister Pigai gave a strong statement regarding the case that befell Andrie. But on the other hand, on page 11, it was revealed that the achievement in formulating the Draft Ministerial Regulation (Permen) on Protection for Human Rights Defenders is still very low.

“Very low indeed because it has only reached 10 percent (achievement in formulating the Permen on Protection for Human Rights Defenders),” said the Golkar legislator.

In response to the slow performance, Dewi urged the Ministry of Human Rights not to merely offer sympathy. She encouraged the ministry led by Pigai to immediately take concrete steps.