Indonesian Foreign Minister: Human Rights Is A Priority For President Prabowo's Government

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono spoke at the UN Human Rights Council High-Level Segment (HLS) Meeting of the 58th Session in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 24, 2025. (ANTARA/HO-Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Issues related to human rights (HAM) are the priority of the Indonesian government under President Prabowo Subianto.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono when meeting UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk. The two met on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council's High-Level Segment (HLS) Meeting in the 58th Session in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.

"The Indonesian government has made the issue of human rights one of the priority issues," Sugiono told Turk, according to a statement by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted from Antara, Tuesday, February 25.

Sugiono also explained various government policies in order to fulfill human rights in Indonesia, including the Free Nutrition Food program and the construction of 3 million subsidized houses.

"Indonesia even now has one minister who has a specific focus on dealing with human rights issues," he said.

Meanwhile, Turk expressed his views on the impact of current dynamics on the global human rights agenda.

He noted and appreciated Indonesia's progress through the National Strategy for Business and Human Rights.

Turk also expressed his hope that Indonesia could continue to play an important role in encouraging the promotion of human rights, good governance, and respect for the principles of the UN Charter.

He also asked ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, to play a bigger role in resolving conflicts in Myanmar and offer readiness to help overcome the human rights situation there.

Turk also expressed his full support for Indonesia's role in resolving conflicts in Myanmar and the Rohingya issue.

Indonesia is currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the sixth time.