Prabowo S. Djojohadikusumo’s Controversial Presidency
Following his election victory in February 2024, Prabowo S. Djojohadikusumo ascended to the presidency of Indonesia in October, igniting serious concerns regarding human rights due to his tumultuous military history. Human Rights Watch highlighted his earlier dismissal from the military in 1998 over severe rights violations and noted the troubling backgrounds of several appointees within his expansive 109-member cabinet.
The Global Context of Human Rights Violations
The 2025 World Report from Human Rights Watch meticulously examined rights practices across over 100 nations, revealing widespread oppression. As stated by Executive Director Tirana Hassan, governments resorted to unlawful arrests of dissenters and violent actions against civilians. This alarming trend coincided with a rise in authoritarian governance, especially as observed in more than 70 national elections throughout 2024.
Calls for Change Amid Racial and Gender Discrimination
Elaine Pearson, Asia director for Human Rights Watch, urged President Prabowo to confront his past if he aims to tackle Indonesia’s pressing human rights issues. She emphasized the necessity for the president to eliminate discriminatory laws affecting women, girls, and religious minorities, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Public Outcry and Struggles for Equality
In August, Indonesia witnessed protests in at least 16 cities against alleged election law tampering by Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s coalition, highlighting issues of nepotism. Disturbing racial incidents also dominated headlines, such as the vicious beating of a young Papuan man by soldiers, leading to public outrage and demands for accountability that remain unaddressed.
Legal Threats Against Religious Minorities
Legal loopholes put Indonesia’s religious minorities at grave risk, particularly amid accusations of blasphemy. A regulation from 2006 allows majority religions to obstruct minority activities, with girls and women often pressured regarding hijab mandates, impacting education and employment.
Environmental and Indigenous Rights Issues
In a troubling announcement, Hashim Djojohadikusumo stated that 300 palm oil companies were operating illegally. The agriculture minister revealed that numerous companies lacked land titles, exacerbating ongoing disputes that have led to the forced displacement of Indigenous peoples and substantial deforestation, marking palm oil cultivation as a major environmental concern.
A Call to Action for Human Rights Protection
To mitigate these human rights challenges, Human Rights Watch insists that the Prabowo administration must clearly and affirmatively signal its commitment to protecting human rights in Indonesia and beyond, heralding an urgent call for action to shield vulnerable populations and uphold equality.
– Prabowo Djojohadikusumo became Indonesia’s president amid rights concerns. – Human Rights Watch reported on global human rights violations linked to governments. – Protests erupted against election tampering by outgoing president’s coalition. – Religious laws disadvantage minorities, and environmental issues plague palm oil industry. – Urgent need for the administration to protect human rights is clear.
The ascension of Prabowo S. Djojohadikusumo as Indonesia’s president raises significant human rights concerns rooted in his military past and controversial cabinet appointments. As Human Rights Watch emphasizes, urgent reforms are necessary to address systemic issues affecting women, religious minorities, and Indigenous peoples. Ultimately, the administration must publicly commit to safeguarding human rights in order to foster a just and equitable society.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
