Willy Aditya: Human Rights Law Revision Focuses on Protecting Citizens, Not Agency Power Struggles
Chairman of the DPR’s Commission XIII, Willy Aditya, has stressed that the planned revision of Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights (HAM) must fully focus on strengthening citizens’ rights protection. He warned that discussions on the regulation should not devolve into inter-institutional power struggles.
Willy emphasised that the legal framework update must prioritise public interest over sectoral egoism from ministries or independent commissions.
“The HAM law revision must serve citizens’ interests, not those of ministries or Komnas HAM, so we must focus on expanding promotion, protection, fulfilment, and respect for human rights,” Willy stated in a written release on Sunday (31 May).
According to the NasDem Party legislator, the establishment of a Ministry of Human Rights and existing national human rights commissions should be used as a golden opportunity to strengthen integrated human rights promotion.
He believes the division of tasks and governance functions between ministries and independent bodies must be harmonised to improve the quality of human rights protection experienced by the public.
“If the HAM law revision is reduced to mere inter-agency power disputes, it would not benefit citizens. We must act together for the people, not for institutions,” Willy stressed.
Willy confirmed the DPR will ensure transparent and extensive public participation during the draft law discussions, viewing public input, criticism, and debates as positive dynamics to refine the regulatory draft.
“I have followed media reports and informal discussions on the HAM law revision content. Some aspects are progressive, while others need strengthening or amendment. The DPR will provide ample opportunity for public involvement,” he added.
Willy urged all societal elements, civil organisations, NGOs, and individuals concerned with human rights issues to consolidate their inputs. Parliament has prepared channels for expressing views, both online and through formal parliamentary sessions.
“Institutions or individuals with concerns are invited to prepare notes and submissions for DPR discussions,” Willy concluded.
He explained that the current HAM law was enacted during Indonesia’s democratic transition and primarily focuses on institutional arrangements for human rights.
The law revision is perceived as a threat to Komnas HAM’s independence and a state move to control human rights agendas.
Komnas HAM views the HAM law revision as the culmination of systematic efforts to weaken and delegitimise the commission.
The HAM bill aims to shift Indonesia’s human rights approach from mere norms to a system encompassing governance, prevention, and risk mitigation of violations.
Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stated the revision process for Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights is now in the public testing phase.
He said the Ministry of Human Rights has engaged civil society and human rights activists since the revision discussions began.
Komnas HAM has urged a revision of Law No. 21/2007 on Trafficking in Persons (TPPO) due to the rise of complex digital-based online scams and human trafficking.
Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stressed that escalating conflicts and violence in Papua require comprehensive solutions through dialogue, human rights approaches, and multi-institutional cooperation.
These concerns stem from the commission’s experience handling various complaints over the years.