PDIP Legislator Criticizes Ministry Of Human Rights' Performance In Handling OCIchort Case: What Are Its Actions?

JAKARTA - Member of Commission XIII DPR RI from the PDIP faction, Marinus Gea, criticized the performance of the Ministry of Human Rights (HAM) in protecting the rights of citizens. Especially in handling allegations of human rights violations committed by the Indonesian Oriental Circuit (OCI) against a number of former workers.

Marinus assessed that the Ministry of Human Rights was too slow to respond to this issue. In fact, the DPR through Commission III and Commission XIII received information from the parties concerned after the victim filed a case with Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto, in mid-April.

"This is what happened in OCI yesterday. We have begun to reveal the fact that there are human rights violations. But the Ministry of Human Rights, what is its actions? What has been done?," said Marinus, Tuesday, April 29.

It is known, there are four facts revealed by Komnas HAM regarding allegations of exploitation of circus players in OCI since 1997. Where since the recommendation was issued on April 1, 1997, the OCI has never followed up.

First, violations of children's right to know where their identity came from and their family relations. Second, violations of children's rights to be free from economic exploitation.

Third, violations of children's right to receive proper education. Fourth, violations of children's rights to receive protection and social security by applicable law.

In a hearing with the Ministry of Human Rights at the DPR RI Building, Monday, April 28, yesterday, Marinus also reminded the importance of building direct communication lines with the public. This is intended so that the ministry's function, which is headed by Natalius Pigai, is truly felt by the Indonesian people.

"There needs to be socialization. People should know where they are reporting, how they can get protection," said Marinus.

The PDIP legislator from the Banten III electoral district also mentioned the high popularity of the current Ministry of Human Rights. However, according to Marinus, the popularity of this ministry has not been accompanied by public understanding of the concrete benefits provided.

"The Ministry of Human Rights is popular because of its figure. But people don't understand what human rights protection they can actually get," said Marinus.

Marinus also highlighted reports on the use of the Ministry of Human Rights budget for Fiscal Year 2025. He said, from the Rp113 billion ceiling, only Rp51 billion was realized.

Marinus asked the Ministry of Human Rights to explain that a budget of IDR 51 billion was used for anything. He reminded that every rupiah issued must be useful for the community.

"Is the realization of Rp. 51 billion only for routine activities, or are there real programs running? This must be clear," he said.

"The use of the budget must be felt directly by the community. Don't just be a number on paper," concluded Marinus Gea.