Minister Pigai: Indonesia Is Among the Safest Countries Compared With Others

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai claims Indonesia is one of the safest countries compared with others. He cited an instance when President Prabowo Subianto could greet the public, without security disturbances. ‘Mr Prabowo gets out of the car, greets everyone, there were no disturbances yesterday. Indonesia is among the safest countries compared with others,’ Pigai said as he opened the Human Rights Journalism Class in Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday 20 May 2026. Pigai assessed that the situation indicates security levels in Indonesia remain relatively good compared with several other countries. ‘Let’s see, sorry, in the last five years we may criticise, but Indonesia is safe. Minister, I just walk around in sandals; no one disturbs me. I ride a motorcycle alone; no one disturbs me,’ he said. He also outlined that the 2024 Human Rights Index shows that the right to freedom and personal security reached 83.62. ‘Therefore, that value is the highest; it makes sense,’ Pigai said. In the same event, he argued that the press plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy and the civilisation of the nation. The government should not view the media as parties to be pressured or intervened in their journalistic duties. ‘The press is a key pillar that has made a real contribution to building civilisation, public participation, and democracy,’ Pigai said.