Human Rights Law Revision Criticised by DPR and National Human Rights Commission

JAKARTA – The revision of the Human Rights Law (UU HAM) has drawn criticism from several DPR members and the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM). The revision process is currently in the public testing phase.

Willy Aditya, Chairman of Commission XIII of the DPR RI, stated that the Human Rights Law revision must focus on strengthening citizens’ rights protection, not merely becoming a battleground for inter-agency power struggles. He said discussions on revising Law No. 39 of 1999 should avoid getting bogged down in sectoral disputes between ministries and state institutions.

‘The Human Rights Law revision should be entirely for the benefit of citizens, not for the interests of specific ministries or commissions. Therefore, we must focus on expanding the promotion, protection, fulfillment, 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 bodies should enhance human rights protection in the country. ‘If the revision is reduced to mere debates over sectoral authority, it would disadvantage citizens. Instead, we must act collectively for the people, not for institutions,’ he said.

Willy said the DPR would exercise its legislative function to ensure the revision strengthens human rights promotion, protection, fulfillment, and respect. He emphasised citizens’ rights must take precedence over debates about which entity holds specific authority.

‘I have followed media reports and informal discussions on the content of the Human Rights Law revision. Some aspects are progressive, while others need strengthening or modification. In the DPR, we will provide ample opportunities for public participation,’ he added.

Willy noted the government’s drafting process mandates public involvement, and public debates on the revision’s substance are part of refining the draft legislation. ‘The public will also be formally invited to participate through mechanisms such as the DPR’s online media, hearings, and others. Therefore, institutions or individuals with concerns should prepare their submissions for the DPR,’ he said.

Andreas Hugo Pareira, Deputy Chairman of Commission XIII of the DPR RI, cautioned that the revision must not compromise Komnas HAM’s independence. He said concerns raised by Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah regarding potential power interference in the draft must be addressed to prevent such occurrences.

‘Points raised by the Komnas HAM Chair about threats to independence and potential intervention must be anticipated to avoid them,’ Andreas said on Thursday.

Andreas stressed that Komnas HAM’s independence must be preserved for it to effectively protect human rights and prevent violations. The PDI-P politician added that the draft has not yet been submitted to the DPR’s Commission XIII for discussion, and is likely still undergoing inter-ministerial reviews within the government.

‘The draft Human Rights Law revision has not yet reached Commission XIII. The revision of the Komnas HAM Law is included in the Prolegnas as a government initiative. It is likely still under inter-ministerial review within the government,’ he said.