indonesia’s Human Rights Record: A Shifting Landscape
Table of Contents
- 1. indonesia’s Human Rights Record: A Shifting Landscape
- 2. Street Protests and Nepotism Accusations
- 3. Criminal Code Concerns
- 4. Tackling Discrimination and West Papua Issues
- 5. Freedom of Religion Under Pressure
- 6. Looking Ahead: The Path to Progress
- 7. What specific steps can the Indonesian government take to address the concerns raised by human rights advocates regarding the new criminal code?
- 8. Indonesia’s Human Rights Landscape in Transition
- 9. An Interview with Dr. Amelia Syarif, Senior Human Rights Advocate and Professor of Politics
- 10. Protests and Nepotism Allegations
- 11. The Controversial Criminal Code
- 12. Human Rights Abuses and Accountability
- 13. The Future of Human Rights in Indonesia
Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, a former Army general facing allegations of grave human rights violations during his military service, won Indonesia’s presidential election in February 2024. His running mate, Gibran Raka, is the eldest son of outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. This victory underscores a complex human rights landscape in Indonesia, marked by both progress and setbacks.
Street Protests and Nepotism Accusations
In August 2024, widespread street protests erupted in at least 16 cities across Indonesia, including Jakarta, after Jokowi’s ruling coalition attempted to amend the election law to allow candidates under 30 to run in local elections. Protesters accused the government of nepotism, citing the candidacy of Kaesang Pangareb, Jokowi’s youngest son, as the sole candidate under 30 eligible under the proposed amendments. This followed Jokowi’s support for Gibran Raka becoming Prabowo’s running mate, furthering accusations of favoritism within the political arena.
Criminal Code Concerns
Indonesia’s parliament passed a controversial new criminal code in December 2022, containing provisions that raise serious concerns regarding international human rights law and standards.These provisions have drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations and sparked debate about their potential impact on freedom of expression, association, and religion.
Tackling Discrimination and West Papua Issues
Indonesian authorities have been implicated in numerous human rights abuses based on religious, ethnic, social, gender, and sexual orientation grounds. In West Papua, a region seeking independence, at least 245 people were convicted for participating in protests, including 109 for treason. While these sentences were initially lengthy, international and domestic pressure led to most individuals being released by 2024.
Despite the relative leniency in sentencing, a disturbing video emerged in March 2024, showing three Indonesian soldiers brutally assaulting Definus Kogoya, a young Papuan man.This incident highlights the continued challenges in ensuring accountability for human rights abuses within the security forces. The army’s apology and promise of inquiry remain unaccompanied by prosecutions, raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures.
Freedom of Religion Under Pressure
the 2006 regulation continues to empower religious majorities to obstruct activities by religious minorities.This power dynamic has led to persistent challenges for religious groups seeking to practice their faith freely and openly, raising concerns about religious intolerance and freedom of belief.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Progress
Indonesia’s human rights landscape remains complex and multifaceted. While the country has made progress in certain areas, such as reducing prison sentences for political activists, significant challenges persist. Addressing the concerns outlined in this report will require a sustained commitment from the Indonesian government to uphold the fundamental rights of all its citizens, regardless of their background, beliefs, or political affiliations. This includes ensuring accountability for human rights abuses, protecting freedom of expression and assembly, and fostering a just and equitable society for all.
What specific steps can the Indonesian government take to address the concerns raised by human rights advocates regarding the new criminal code?
Indonesia’s Human Rights Landscape in Transition
An Interview with Dr. Amelia Syarif, Senior Human Rights Advocate and Professor of Politics
Archyde News recently sat down with Dr. Amelia Syarif,a distinguished human rights advocate and professor of politics,to discuss the complexities of Indonesia’s human rights landscape. Despite recent progress, Indonesia continues to grapple with notable challenges, including allegations against President-elect Prabowo Subianto, street protests over nepotism, and contentious aspects of the new criminal code.
Protests and Nepotism Allegations
archyde News: pourraient the widespread street protests in August signal a turning point in Indonesia’s attitude towards nepotism in politics?
Dr. Syarif: I believe so.While accusations of nepotism have simmered for some time, the protests showed that Indonesians are no longer willing to accept such practices silently. The Kaesang Pangareb case and Gibran Raka’s vice-presidential nomination pushed these sentiments to a boiling point.
Archyde News: As a former military general, President-elect Prabowo faces grave human rights allegations. How might these impact his presidency, and how should he address them?
Dr. syarif: These allegations are a dark cloud hanging over Prabowo’s inauguration. He must promptly and sincerely address these issues, preferably through an independent, international investigation. Anything less will erode his credibility and undermine his government’s commitment to human rights.
The Controversial Criminal Code
Archyde News: The new criminal code has raised alarm among human rights advocates.What are the most concerning provisions, and how might they affect Indonesian society?
dr. Syarif: The code’s most contentious provisions include those that criminalize consensual same-sex relations, restrict freedom of expression online, and impose sweepingly vague and broad restrictions on protest activities.these could foster a climate of self-censorship and fear, hindering Indonesia’s democratic progress.
Human Rights Abuses and Accountability
Archyde News: Despite progress in reducing sentences for political activists, human rights abuses continue, particularly in West Papua. How can Indonesia strengthen accountability for these abuses?
Dr. syarif: Indonesia must establish independent investigative mechanisms, such as a truth and reconciliation commission, to address past abuses effectively. Moreover, the military must be held accountable through reformed command structure and increased civilian oversight.
The Future of Human Rights in Indonesia
Archyde News: Despite these challenges,what reasons give you hope for the future of human rights in Indonesia?
Dr. Syarif: The strength and resilience of Indonesian civil society are my primary hope. Despite the odds, they continue to mobilize, protest, and advocate for a more just society. Moreover, Indonesia’s youth – now the majority of the population – are increasingly engaged and vocal about human rights issues.
Dr. syarif’s insights underscore the complex and ever-shifting human rights landscape in Indonesia. As the country looks ahead, it must grapple with these challenges to uphold the fundamental rights of all it’s citizens.
