Natalius Pigai, the Human Rights Minister, proposed a substantial budget of Rp 20 trillion, seeking to significantly enhance the financial support for his newly established ministry. This request contrasts sharply with the existing RM 64 billion budget, which he argues is insufficient to tackle Indonesia’s human rights challenges. Pigai’s aim is to fulfill President Prabowo’s commitment to human rights and clearly define the differences in roles between his ministry and the National Commission on Human Rights.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has tagged an ambitious budget proposal of Rp 20 trillion (about US$ 1.29 billion) for his newly established ministry, a stark contrast to the mere Rp 64 billion currently allocated. At a recent press briefing in Jakarta, Pigai emphasized the urgent need for increased funding to effectively advance human rights initiatives in Indonesia, stating, “If the state can afford it, I’d push for a budget exceeding Rp 20 trillion. Pigai can do it. I am a field worker in human rights.” The budget proposed by Pigai accounts for only 0.31 percent of the overall budget for the Law and Human Rights Ministry for 2024. This budget was recently restructured by President Prabowo Subianto, who partitioned the previous ministry into three distinct entities, each with separate financial allocations: Rp 7.29 trillion for the Law Ministry, Rp 13.39 trillion for Immigration and Correctional Services, and a coordinating office to oversee all three functions. Pigai stressed that the increased budget is critical to address significant human rights challenges facing the country and to fulfill President Prabowo’s vision for human rights advancement. He noted, “The establishment of the Human Rights Ministry signifies that the President is paying special attention to this issue,” highlighting his long-standing ties with Prabowo over the last two decades. Differentiating his ministry from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Pigai outlined that his ministry is tasked with the active development of human rights, while the commission will focus on oversight. He identified three core mandates guiding his ministry: respect for human rights, protection of citizens, and meeting the needs of the population, ensuring that the budget and strategic initiatives align with these objectives. As Pigai outlines these ambitious plans, he intends to shape Indonesia’s human rights landscape into a more robust entity, seemingly echoing the sentiments of a nation eager for progress and protection of its citizens’ rights.
The article discusses the proposal by Indonesia’s Human Rights Minister, Natalius Pigai, to significantly increase the budget for his newly established ministry. With a focus on advancing human rights in Indonesia, Pigai highlights the inadequacy of current funding and asserts that a larger budget is necessary for tackling pressing human rights issues and fulfills the government’s vision under President Prabowo Subianto.
Natalius Pigai’s push for a Rp 20 trillion budget underscores the dire need for effective human rights advocacy in Indonesia. By seeking a significant increase from the current allocation, Pigai aims not only to address pressing human rights issues but also to establish a framework for protecting and respecting citizens’ rights under the new ministry’s mandate. His longstanding relationship with the president and emphasis on strategic alignment with broader government visions are crucial for this initiative’s success.
Original Source: www.thejakartapost.com
