Ministry Of Human Rights: Book Confiscation Is Not In Line With Democracy And Human Rights

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Human Rights (Kemenham) stated that the confiscation of books by police in the arrest of activists related to cases of alleged incitement to demonstrations was not in line with the spirit of democracy and human rights.

This statement was conveyed by the Expert Staff for Strengthening Bureaucratic Reform and Legislation of the Ministry of Human Rights, Rumadi Ahmad, in response to the confiscation of the book of literacy activists in Kediri, East Java.

"This step is not in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive that in handling actions, the apparatus must pay attention to human rights, especially as stipulated in Article 19 International Covant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 23.

The ICCPR or International Covenan on Civil and Political Rights has been ratified by the Indonesian government through Law Number 12 of 2005 concerning Ratification of ICCPR.

In addition, according to the Ministry of Human Rights, the confiscation of the book also contradicts President Prabowo's vision in Astacita, especially the first point that emphasizes strengthening the ideology of Pancasila, democracy, and human rights.

"The action of confiscation of books has the potential to interfere with the government's efforts to strengthen democracy and respect for human rights," said Rumadi.

He also assessed that the prohibition or confiscation of books would damage the literacy tradition in society. Therefore, he advised the police not to take excessive steps that harm the tradition of reading.

Moreover, reading is part of an effort to educate the nation's life. President Prabowo, said Rumadi, repeatedly emphasized the importance of building and maintaining this tradition.

Rumadi assessed that the incident was meant to show the urgency of police reform. In this case, he highlighted the importance of internalizing democratic and human rights values by the security forces in their duties.

"In line with the President's orders, police reforms must not stop on artificial aspects, but must touch substantial things, including changes to thestate of mind (way of thinking) of the apparatus so that they are more democratic, professional, and respect human rights," he said.