On human rights

With Human Rights Day right at our doorstep it is interesting -- and rather disconcerting -- to look at some of the figures the Institute for Social Study and Advocacy has compiled over the past five years.

As made public by the institute's executive director, Abdul Hakim G. Nusantara, at a news conference on Thursday, 164 bans on the free expression of opinion were issued during the past five years, which makes for an average of one ban every 11 days. They were imposed on a variety of activities ranging from discussions, lectures and seminars to stage performances and publications. Over that same period, 130 violations of the right to assemble were committed by security officials.

Those actions, which were taken by security officials in the name of maintaining public order and national stability, reflect the general attitude of disregard which, sadly enough, still seems to prevail among officialdom in this country. Moreover, the cheerless statistics reflect only part of the human rights violations that have been committed during that period. Many other cases of rights violations, such as the use of force or even torture against offenders and suspected delinquents, remain obscure.

It must be admitted that considerable progress has been made in the past few years with regard to the protection of human rights in Indonesia. The National Commission on Human Rights, whose independence had initially been doubted by many because it was established by presidential initiative, has proven itself to be quite active in protecting the rights of the ordinary Indonesian citizen.

It does seem that the recognition of human rights, as an inseparable part of life in any nation that calls itself civilized, is gradually growing in our society. Although not in explicit terms, the principle of respect for human rights is contained in this country's Constitution. The Pancasila state philosophy places just and civilized humanity as one of the five pillars of our nation and state. Also, Indonesia has either signed or ratified a number of international instruments for the protection of human rights and more can be expected.

This growing Indonesian commitment towards implementing international conventions regarding the subject is an encouraging sign, despite the apparent reluctance in many segments of our officialdom to relinquish power. Putting the principles into practice has so far remained an obstacle which many of us have not been able to overcome. All too often the national ideology Pancasila, with its recognition of the dignity of man, remains no more than a convenient motto that is used to suit the need of the moment.

The process obviously needs time. It would be well to keep in mind that changes here are occurring more rapidly due to domestic progress as well as outside influences. Expediting the process would benefit us all and also raise our standing in the world community of nations.