Amnesty International’s Secretary-General, Agnes Callamard, visited Indonesia from March 4-7, 2025, to highlight the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the country. Meeting with government officials, she focused on addressing past human rights violations and the vital need to protect human rights defenders from criminalization, reinforcing the significance of judicial independence to resist authoritarian pressure. Callamard emphasised this while drawing parallels to similar challenges faced in the United States under Trump’s administration.
In her meetings, particularly with the Attorney General’s Office, Callamard stressed the imperative of combatting impunity for historical human rights abuses, particularly the unresolved cases from Indonesia’s history. She urged for the establishment of an ad hoc human rights tribunal to deliver justice, specifically targeting events like the tragic 1998 student protest killings.
Additionally, she met with victims of human rights abuses and addressed the excessive force used by security personnel against peaceful protesters. Highlighting systematic violations in Papua, including torture and extrajudicial killings, she condemned the lack of accountability for such incidents. Callamard called for an end to these practices and reinforced protections for activists and civil society amid rising authoritarianism.
During her visit, she also rallied for collective action among developing nations against global authoritarianism, invoking the spirit of the 1955 Asian-African Conference and calling Indonesia to reclaim its leadership. “Seventy years ago, nations gathered in Bandung to reject colonialism and advocate for self-determination. Today, the world is regressing into oppression,” she noted, imploring Indonesia to lead a movement opposing injustice.
Despite the dark shadows of authoritarian trends, Callamard left with a glimmer of hope, praising the resilience of Indonesia’s civil society, especially the fortitude of women’s rights activists and grassroots movements. She welcomed Jakarta’s governor’s rejection of polygamy legislation, calling on all nations to affirm that such practices have no place in modern society.
Agnes Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, visited Indonesia to address rising authoritarianism and human rights violations. She met with officials, stressing the need for judicial independence and accountability for past abuses. Callamard called for a united front against oppression, urging Indonesia to reclaim its leadership role in promoting human rights globally, while expressing optimism about the resilience of civil society.
Agnes Callamard’s visit to Indonesia highlighted urgent concerns regarding rising authoritarianism and the ongoing disregard for human rights. Emphasising the need for accountability and victim justice, she called for unified resistance against oppressive regimes, linking Indonesia’s historical legacy to present challenges. Her optimism regarding civil society and commitment to human rights advocates presents a hopeful vision for a future where oppression is confronted and justice prevails.
Original Source: indonesiabusinesspost.com
