Komnas HAM Denies Involvement in Human Rights Law Revision as Ministry Claims
The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has denied involvement in the Draft Human Rights Bill (RUU HAM) prepared by the Ministry of Human Rights (Kemenham). Komnas HAM believes the bill would weaken its own authority.
Chairperson Anis Hidayah stated that Komnas HAM is the sole national human rights institution established under Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights (Human Rights Law). She stressed the need to address the Kemenham-drafted bill to safeguard Indonesia’s human rights promotion and enforcement agenda.
“The Commission views the planned revision of the Human Rights Law as the culmination of systematic efforts to diminish and delegitimise Komnas HAM,” Anis said in a statement on Tuesday (26 May 2026).
Anis argued that the state has not fully utilised Komnas HAM’s strategic role and existence. Despite handling over 2,500 alleged human rights violation cases annually, she said these cases reflect the voices of victims seeking justice.
The draft RUU HAM, currently published on Kemenham’s official website, has been claimed by the ministry to have undergone consultation involving Komnas HAM. However, Komnas HAM firmly denies this claim.
“Komnas HAM was not involved at all in drafting the RUU HAM, not even during discussions. The Commission has even struggled to obtain the initial draft document. The draft does not reflect any input from Komnas HAM,” Anis said.
As an independent body specifically regulated under the Human Rights Law, Komnas HAM is the most directly affected institution by any amendments. Changes would impact its position, functions, and authority.
“Neglecting Komnas HAM breaches the Paris Principles—the international standards governing national human rights institutions—which require broad mandates, institutional independence, and full freedom to operate without political interference,” Anis said.
Anis also noted that Komnas HAM has consistently received the highest accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for at least a decade.
“The draft RUU HAM, which undermines Komnas HAM’s functions and authority, risks damaging Indonesia’s credibility as the current President of the UN Human Rights Council,” Anis warned.