Minister Pigai: Press Is a Pillar of Human Rights Civilisation Development

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, has called upon the press to play a broader role than simply serving as a pillar of democracy, urging media outlets to become key instruments in advancing human rights civilisation in the country.

Pigai stressed the critical importance of the press in delivering justice in the public sphere, particularly when communities face inequality or obstacles in legal enforcement processes. “The press is a window to the world. Media is that window, media is the nation’s horizon. Without media, there is darkness,” Pigai stated during the launch of the Media Press and Human Rights Civilisation Development Programme in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Drawing from his experience as a commissioner at Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), Pigai noted that the press frequently serves as a crucial space for citizens to pursue justice. During his five-year tenure at the commission, he handled approximately 15,000 cases, observing that judicial processes do not always proceed professionally, impartially, and objectively.

Pigai acknowledged that such shortcomings often trigger public pressure through media coverage and grassroots movements, sometimes resulting in “trial by the mobs” or “trial by the press.” However, he argues that the press’s presence in these situations serves as a vital bridge between public expectations and the delivery of justice in the public domain. Without media coverage, he suggested, public hopes for justice might never materialise or gain widespread attention.

The minister proposed a broader conceptual framework, positioning the press within human rights protection rather than purely within democratic structures. “Democracy is part of human rights, not the other way around,” Pigai explained, arguing that the press should be regarded as an essential instrument that strengthens human rights protection beyond its traditional role in promoting democratic practices.

Pigai called on media organisations to continue providing information that reinforces justice, particularly for communities experiencing injustice or pressure within social and legal spheres. He highlighted that advancing human rights civilisation requires collaborative efforts between government, civil society, and the media.

The minister further affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting press freedom as part of its broader human rights protection agenda. He pledged personal support for journalists facing criticism, harassment, or censorship, stating: “If any press outlet is criticised, persecuted, or silenced, I will stand up for them.”