Human Rights Minister Pushes for Dialogue to Resolve Controversy Over Jusuf Kalla's Remarks
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai is promoting the resolution of the controversy over statements by the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, through dialogue, as an effort to maintain unity amid potential social tensions based on differing views.
Pigai, in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, assessed that a non-litigious approach is more effective in defusing conflicts than legal steps, particularly on sensitive issues such as religion.
“I, as the Minister of Human Rights, do not agree with the police report against Mr JK. I firmly reject it. To be honest, there is no benefit to it either,” said Pigai.
According to him, Jusuf Kalla, as a national figure, should not be immediately assumed to have intentions to discredit a particular group.
“Mr JK is a statesman; as a former vice president, I do not believe there is any malicious intent to discredit a particular religion,” he said.
Pigai emphasised that if there are statements that are questioned, the mechanism of dialogue must be the primary choice before resorting to legal channels.
“If there are things that are considered inappropriate, they can be addressed through clarification efforts, through dialogue, without needing to report to the police,” he said.
He also reminded of the importance of public maturity in responding to differences so as not to be easily provoked by divisive narratives.
According to Pigai, maintaining social coolness is key amid national dynamics, so all parties need to prioritise common interests.
“It is far more important at this time to maintain coolness, unity, and oneness. Pursue the path of dialogue,” he said.
Previously, several community organisations reported Jusuf Kalla to the police regarding his statements in a lecture that sparked controversy.
However, Jusuf Kalla’s side emphasised that his statements were not intended to teach theology, but rather to explain conflict dynamics and the importance of correcting understanding to achieve peace.