What do people think about human rights?

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will join today hundreds of countries commemorating the 49th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A number of seminars have been planned by various organizations to greet Human Rights Day. The United Nations Information Center Jakarta office, for instance, will hold a special function to mark the day featuring Marzuki Darusman of the National Commission on Human Rights as the keynote speaker.

University of Indonesia students will stage a free speech forum and a "happening art" at their "Democratic Traffic Circle" in front of the School of Psychology at the Depok campus in West Java.

The Center for Information and Development Studies (CIDES) -- the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI)'s think tank, will hold a discussion here to evaluate Indonesia's rights record over the past year. It will feature speakers such as senior editor Jakob Oetama, rights activists Muladi, Hendardi and Eggi Sudjana, political scientist Indria Samego, and constitutional law expert Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

The Jakarta Post spoke with a wide range of people to find out what they had to say about human rights.

Yusuf, 45, a parking attendant in Senayan, South Jakarta:

"I don't know what human rights is. I only know that human rights issues frequently appear on TV. I watch them sometimes, but I don't quite understand.

"I think human rights is only discussed by government officials or prominent people. For me, the important thing is that I am not harassed by anybody while I do my job. I only hope that I can go on working on this street for as long as possible."

Anak Agung Banyu Perwita, a lecturer at the University of Parahyangan's International Relations department in Bandung, West Java:

"I still see the lack of political will from the government (to improve its human rights record). The ban on the play on (slain labor leader) Marsinah in Bandung is the most recent case.

"Therefore, the government's commitment toward the upholding of human rights values is in doubt.

"The National Commission on Human Rights is a mere government instrument to cope with foreign pressures concerning our human rights record.

"The 1945 Constitution and Pancasila contain the principles of human rights, but those principles do not materialize on a daily basis.

"What the country needs is action ... the government must disseminate the importance of human rights protection, particularly to security officers."

Riswanda Imawan, a political observer at Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University: "People with authority across the country should be educated so they really understand human rights.

"One thing that has been hampering the implementation of the human rights principles is that the government still considers itself the sole agent of change. This is why the government cannot accept dissenting aspirations from non-governmental organizations, academicians or observers. The later groups have demanded its implementation, rather than a philosophical discourse on the subject."

Wimar Witoelar, a business consultant and talk show host: "The National Commission on Human Rights has lost its strategic grip on the issue.

"They have done a lot of things, but they could not do anything (to change the situation) ... as the commission does not have political power. Power holders have interfered in the commission's mission.

"However, since the promotion of human rights has become a global trend, the pressure to implement it can not be avoided. In the long run, there will eventually be a reform (for improved rights record) in Indonesia.

Slamet, a street vendor at the Senayan sports complex in South Jakarta: "I don't understand human rights protection and its principles.

"The only thing I am looking for in my life is the freedom to earn a living in ways which are halal (religiously acceptable).

"I'll be very happy if I can freely sell my goods without fear of any sweeping operation, conducted by the City Public Order Office."

Tony Hartono, 45 years old, a security guard at a private company: "I relate human rights issues with my rights as a worker. In my opinion, I have the right to demand the salary that is appropriate for living in Jakarta. And I also have the right to ask for health benefits.

"The health subsidy is very important especially if I or one of my family members are involved in an accident. In the company I work for, there's such a health benefit, but it is not enough and does not pay for all of the expenses that I have to pay when I go to the hospital.

"For example, when I was sick and had to see a doctor, the company reimbursed 90 percent of my medical expenses.

"I wish that the company would pay for all of the expenses.

"Regarding salary, I find that the standard here is very low, despite the fact I have worked here for 20 years. I once asked the director for a raise, but so far there still hasn't been any response. In my opinion, they should consider the working term too."

For Hadi Susanto, a 20-year-old telephone operator, human rights issues are a recent discovery. He said this year's general election opened his eyes to the issue.

"I refused to vote in the general election in May after I witnessed how some leaders in my village in Wonosari (40 kilometers east of Yogyakarta) mobilized uneducated peasants and youths to support one of the three poll contestants.

"I often witnessed the use of force. They said those who refused to vote for the political group were the government's foes.

"I thought I could not accept the practice. I did not want them to seize my right, and I decided not to vote.

"People who were believed to have supported (alternative) poll contestants (to the dominant Golkar) faced problems when they later needed the service of public administrators such as in the issuance of new identity cards.

"After living in Jakarta for a few months, I discovered in the newspapers that human rights abuses are everywhere and more severe compared to those in my village.

"I used to see village leaders force people to follow their orders. But here I watch government apparatus arbitrarily demolish houses in slum areas and evict the settlers." (team)