In a call for action, Human Rights Watch has urged Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to champion the rights of all citizens, focusing on the needs of religious and ethnic minorities, the controversial new criminal code, and policies that displace Indigenous peoples due to deforestation. With Prabowo’s first 100 days in office behind him, there’s an opportunity to address pressing human rights issues and build a supportive framework.
The Prabowo administration inherits the human rights challenges of its predecessor and must swiftly institute changes to combat discrimination. This includes the protection of women, minorities, Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities, while holding security forces accountable for violations, especially in West Papua. As Meenakshi Ganguly from Human Rights Watch emphasizes, timely actions are crucial for meaningful reform.
Discriminatory laws like the 1965 blasphemy law and the 2006 house of worship decree perpetuate harassment toward religious minorities, showcasing the need for reform. Additionally, the revised 2022 criminal code, effective January 2026, contains provisions that endanger women’s rights and criminalize same-sex relationships, further straining Indonesia’s commitment to human rights.
Mandatory hijab regulations impose restrictions on women’s freedom, subjecting them to sanctions, along with women workers facing harassment, particularly domestic workers. The administration’s immediate focus should be the overdue Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill to ensure safety and rights in the workplace.
Despite the 1977 ban on shackling individuals with mental health issues, this practice persists. The Mental Health Act of 2014 needs rigorous enforcement to ensure accessibility to mental health services across Indonesia. Prabowo’s government must prioritize mental health support through the establishment of more clinics and hospitals.
Deforestation linked to the oil palm industry continues to threaten Indigenous peoples, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The government must strictly enforce laws protecting community land rights and hold accountable those violating these standards.
In West Papua, transparency is vital; security forces should be held responsible for human rights abuses, and restrictions on international monitors need lifting. Granting amnesty to individuals linked to pro-independence efforts would enhance freedom of expression. Promoting global human rights is also essential, as Indonesia plays a pivotal role in international affairs.
As Ganguly states, “Indonesia has an important role in global affairs, and the Prabowo government should take steps to protect human rights abroad as well as at home.” The initial strides taken by Prabowo are commendable, yet broader, sustained efforts are necessary for the advancement of human rights in Indonesia.
Human Rights Watch has urged Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to enhance protections for religious, ethnic minorities, and Indigenous peoples while reversing discriminatory laws. Key reforms include addressing the new criminal code’s violations, enacting the Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill, reinforcing mental health services, and enhancing accountability in human rights abuses. The administration’s commitment will shape Indonesia’s international human rights reputation.
The call from Human Rights Watch for President Prabowo Subianto signals a crucial moment for Indonesia to embrace human rights reforms. By addressing discriminatory laws, protecting vulnerable populations, enforcing mental health legislation, and promoting accountability in West Papua, Prabowo’s administration can transform challenges into opportunities for progress. These efforts will not only benefit Indonesia but also enhance its role on the global stage concerning human rights advocacy.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
