Human Rights Respect Must Be the Foundation of All Business Activities: Nasdem Faction
JAKARTA (13 July): Member of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the NasDem Party faction, M. Shadiq Pasadigoe, participated in a Hearing with the Indonesia Business and Human Rights Lawyers Working Group (IBHR-LWG) to discuss strengthening the implementation of Business and Human Rights (BHAM) in Indonesia. The meeting addressed various challenges in applying human rights principles in the business sector, ranging from labour issues, agrarian conflicts, and environmental impacts, to the protection of indigenous peoples and recovery mechanisms for victims of human rights violations related to business activities.
During the session, Shadiq emphasised that investment growth and economic development must go hand in hand with respect for human rights. According to him, the success of development is not only measured by the size of investment or economic profit, but also by the extent to which the rights of communities, workers, and the environment are protected. "Sustainable business is business that respects human rights. Companies must not only pursue profit but also ensure that every business activity respects the rights of workers, communities, and preserves the environment," Shadiq asserted at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (13/7/2026).
IBHR-LWG presented findings that Indonesia still faces challenges in implementing business and human rights principles. Various studies indicate that corporate human rights practices tend to be administrative in nature and have not fully ensured prevention, accountability, and remedy for victims when violations occur. Shadiq assessed that this condition is a serious concern for the DPR RI. He stated that strengthening regulations must be accompanied by effective supervision so that human rights principles become an integral part of corporate governance, not merely administrative compliance.
He also supported the idea of establishing a Parliamentary Caucus on Business and Human Rights as a cross-commission and cross-faction platform within the DPR RI to strengthen regulatory harmonisation, enhance oversight of business practices, and ensure fair access to remedy for affected communities. "Commission XIII of the DPR RI has a responsibility to ensure that national development is inclusive, just, and based on respect for human rights. Legal certainty and human rights protection will actually strengthen a healthy and sustainable investment climate," said the NasDem Party legislator from the West Sumatra I electoral district.
As a member of Commission XIII, Shadiq affirmed his commitment to continue overseeing the strengthening of BHAM policies through the functions of legislation, oversight, and budgeting. "Synergy between the government, business actors, academics, civil society, and all stakeholders is key to realising a business ecosystem oriented towards justice, respect for human rights, and sustainable national development," Shadiq concluded.