FIHRRST Highlights Human Rights Recommendations for Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Candidates
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[Jakarta, December 19, 2023] – The Foundation for International Human Rights Reporting Standards (FIHRRST), a leading human rights organization and a member of the National Task Force on Business and Human Rights (GTN BHAM), presented critical recommendations for Indonesia’s 2024 presidential candidates. These recommendations, developed in response to the first presidential debate held on December 12, 2023, aim to guide the incoming administration in addressing human rights challenges during their first 100 days in office.
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The debate, organized by the General Election Commission (KPU), focused on significant issues such as law enforcement, governance, anti-corruption, democracy, and human rights. Human rights discussions cantered on Papua and past gross violations, with FIHRRST emphasizing the urgency of tackling these concerns while also addressing broader challenges like environmental protection, corporate accountability, and the rights of vulnerable groups.
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Makarim Wibisono, one of FIHRRST’s founders, stressed the need for a holistic approach to addressing human rights issues in Papua. He highlighted the importance of aligning efforts with national and international human rights instruments, urging the incoming administration to act on the documented complaints from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). He also underscored the significance of addressing the 12 gross human rights violations acknowledged by the Indonesian government. Makarim suggested extending the term of the Non-Judicial Settlement Monitoring Team (PPHAM) to ensure the implementation of Komnas HAM’s recommendations and compliance with standards and norms outlined in Komnas HAM’s frameworks.
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Corporate accountability was another key issue raised during the press conference. Ratih Ananda Putri, a researcher at FIHRRST, emphasized the importance of strengthening Presidential Regulation No. 60 of 2023, also known as the National Business and Human Rights Strategy (Stranas BHAM). She highlighted the need for businesses to implement Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in their operations and supply chains to prevent violations and provide remedies for those affected. Ratih stressed that responsible business practices are essential for safeguarding workers’ rights and protecting surrounding communities, indigenous peoples, and the environment.
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Environmental issues were also a focus of the recommendations, with M. Rayhan Kurnia Rahman addressing the urgent need for the government to play a stronger role in tackling climate change, pollution, deforestation, and other environmental challenges. He emphasized that the next administration should adopt a concrete environmental strategy within its first 100 days, ensuring that environmental preservation efforts include fair and participatory approaches. Rayhan called for special attention to the rights of indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are heard in environmental decision-making processes.
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FIHRRST also highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and minority communities. Fairuz El Mechwar noted the persistence of discrimination and violence against these groups, advocating for comprehensive measures to combat these issues. She emphasized that the new administration must prioritize efforts to address violence, support indigenous communities, and guarantee opportunities and rights for marginalized populations.
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Freedom of speech was another critical issue discussed, with Auranetya Adya Kayana raising concerns about ongoing threats to freedom of expression in Indonesia. She highlighted the impact of laws related to defamation, blasphemy, and hate speech, which continue to limit freedom of opinion and expression. Auranetya urged presidential candidates to ensure that freedom of expression is upheld, in line with the Standards, Norms, and Procedures (SNP) No. 5 of 2021 issued by Komnas HAM, which outlines the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
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These recommendations reflect FIHRRST’s commitment to advancing human rights in Indonesia and its readiness to support the incoming administration in aligning policies with national and international human rights standards. By addressing these critical issues within the first 100 days, the new administration has an opportunity to build a stronger, more equitable society.
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For
further information, please contact:
Auranetya Adya Kayana
Business and Human Rights Specialist, FIHRRST
Tel: (+62) 813-8135-9033
Email: Auranetya.kayana@fihrrst.org