Pigai Claims Human Rights Bill Draft Process Involved Komnas HAM

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai claims the drafting of the Human Rights Bill revision involved various parties, including the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM). ‘All stages of the drafting process were consulted, and we have evidence of all invitations,’ he said when contacted on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Pigai did not specify how many times or when Komnas HAM was invited to discuss the draft bill. He stated that commissioners or their representatives did not attend the meetings. ‘Every time we invite them, they do not attend because they are indifferent and do not want to strengthen human rights regulations. But they did attend a few times,’ he said.

Pigai denied attempting to weaken Komnas HAM’s functions and authority in the human rights regulatory update. He said the draft involved constitutional law experts and former Komnas HAM commissioners. One name he mentioned was Jimly Asshiddiqie, former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. Jimly confirmed he was invited to the draft discussion but did not attend due to health reasons.

Pigai’s statement responds to Komnas HAM’s claim that it was never involved in drafting the bill. Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah stated her institution struggled to obtain the initial draft of the regulatory revision. She added the 63-page draft document did not represent Komnas HAM’s input. As an independent body specifically regulated under the Human Rights Law, Komnas HAM is the most concerned institution regarding any amendments to the law, as it affects its position, functions, and authority, she said.

She added that ignoring Komnas HAM violates the Paris Principles, international standards governing national human rights institutions, which require broad mandates, institutional independence, and full freedom to operate without political interference. ‘A Human Rights Bill draft that diminishes Komnas HAM’s functions and authority risks undermining Indonesia’s credibility as the current President of the UN Human Rights Council,’ Anis stated in her declaration on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.