Komnas HAM urges human rights approach in corruption eradication

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is pushing for a strengthened human rights (HAM) approach in the eradication of corruption, so that law enforcement efforts also consider the restoration of affected communities’ rights.

Komnas HAM member Amiruddin Al Rahab stated during a discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday that corruption is not only related to state financial losses but also impacts the fulfilment of citizens’ rights. He noted that the discussion on corruption has largely been confined to criminal law, while the human rights dimension remains overlooked.

“All parties must start to realise that when a corruption offence occurs, citizens’ rights have been violated. Corruption harms state finances, which are meant to fulfil and protect citizens’ rights,” Amiruddin said.

He emphasised that the conversation must move beyond the criminal law perspective. “For almost 20 years, we have been busy discussing corruption from the criminal side but have not entered the realm of human rights. If we do not realise the extent of the problem caused by corruption, we will just stop there,” he added.

Amiruddin highlighted the importance of the commission’s study, which positions corruption as an act that can cripple the state’s ability to fulfil human rights. He also raised the possibility of considering the human rights impact of corruption as an aggravating factor in legal proceedings, which he believes would serve as a stronger deterrent. “Going forward, could the impact on human rights be an aggravating factor? So that those who intend to commit corruption will think twice. They are a major threat to human rights,” he said.

He expressed hope that the study’s findings would serve as input for various institutions, including the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the Attorney General’s Office, the National Police, and other stakeholders, to develop anti-corruption policies that integrate a human rights perspective. “Hopefully, many parties, such as the KPK, the Attorney General’s Office, the National Police, and other institutions, will start to formulate this issue so that human rights are not a peripheral principle but a core principle in governance,” Amiruddin concluded.