Human Rights Minister on Reshuffle: My Only Dream Was to be an Activist
Denpasar (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, has responded to the dynamics surrounding the reshuffle of the Red and White Cabinet, stating that he never aspired to hold high positions in government and has always dreamt of being an activist fighting for justice.
“I am sincere. My dream was only to be an activist; I never dreamed of anything higher. Suddenly, I became the leader of Komnas HAM, and suddenly, I became the Minister of Human Rights,” said Pigai while attending the Bali-Timor Leste Business Forum in Denpasar, Bali, on Friday.
He admitted that he would not mind if President Prabowo Subianto replaced him in his ministerial position. In fact, he believes it would be more honourable if such a replacement occurred while he was actively performing his state duties.
Pigai stated that he chose to attend the Bali-Timor Leste Business Forum to show respect to Timor-Leste as a friendly nation.
“Suddenly, an invitation arrived from Mr Arya Wedakarna (a member of the Regional Representative Council for Bali) informing me of the Bali and Timor Leste Business Forum. I thought, if I am replaced by the President while I am carrying out my duties, it would be more honourable,” he said.
Pigai noted that he never imagined his career path would lead him from the world of activism to leading the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and subsequently becoming the Minister of Human Rights.
He emphasised that his presence at the Indonesia-Timor Leste business forum is a form of his commitment to performing his duties and respecting the fraternal relationship between the two nations.
“Because I am sincere, I set aside the recent situation in Jakarta where 17 people were reshuffled. I decided to come here, as well as to honour Timor-Leste as a brother nation,” he said.
On the same occasion, Pigai also touched upon the issue of minority group representation in national leadership. According to Pigai, the presence of leaders from minority communities in strategic national positions is part of the effort to fight for equality and justice in national life.
“We want a Vice President who comes from a minority community,” he remarked.
Pigai also encouraged Indonesian officials, particularly within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to be more confident and active in conveying views within multilateral forums. He believes that the courage to take a role at the international level is essential for defending Indonesia’s interests.
During the forum, Pigai delivered a message from President Prabowo Subianto to the Minister of Agriculture of Timor-Leste and all forum participants. He presented several of President Prabowo Subianto’s government’s strategic programmes to the delegates.
He also invited the Timor-Leste delegation to continue visiting Bali and Indonesia as part of the efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.