Human Rights Minister Pigai Refuses Questions Beyond Event Activities

JAKARTA — Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai invited media representatives to the kick-off and launch of the Media Press and Human Rights Civilisation Development Programme in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. However, Pigai proved reluctant when journalists questioned him during the doorstop session.

The event was intended as a strategic initiative to promote human rights understanding through media involvement and engagement. Throughout the programme, speakers discussed human rights and the role of the media.

After the informational session concluded, media personnel prepared for the doorstop interview session. However, before the doorstop began, Pigai signalled that questions should be limited to the event itself. He reasoned that media should focus on covering the activities.

As a result, Pigai only agreed to provide comments about the event. In doing so, the former Komnas HAM commissioner effectively closed off media space for questions on other issues. Notably, Pigai’s action contradicted the very purpose of the event he had organised.

“Media is one of the most important fourth pillar of democracy. Democracy exists within human rights. Therefore, we want media to be the most important pillar of democracy in the context of national development,” Pigai said regarding the event.

“Media must be able to campaign for positive aspects of national development, especially human rights development in civil, political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. But media must also uncover facts about social pathologies. So revealing facts about social pathologies should also be disclosed,” Pigai added.