Human Rights Minister Pigai On Handling Demo: RI Faster Than UN Appeals

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai when met by media crews in Jakarta, Tuesday (19/8/2025). BETWEEN/Fath Putra Mulya/am.

JAKARTA - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai emphasized that the Indonesian government has taken steps to deal with demonstrations in accordance with human rights principles, faster than the UN High Commissioner's Office Spokesperson for Human Rights (OHCHR) Ravina Shamdasani appealed.

"Terlat. Indonesia has taken steps three days earlier than a spokesman for OHCHR [PBB]," Pigai said in a statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, quoted by Antara.

He explained that the move, namely President Prabowo Subianto, had expressed his concern on Friday, August 29, one day after the Brimob tactical vehicle incident ran over an online motorcycle taxi driver to death.

"The president stated, "Surprised and shocked by the excessive police actions that caused the death of the late Affan Kurniawan" and the President took firm action against the responsible police officers, "he said.

On the same day, added the Minister of Human Rights, the President took steps to recover by visiting the families of the victims in Jakarta. During the visit, the President also stated that he would guarantee the lives of the victims' families.

Then, on Sunday 31 August, the President delivered an official statement citing the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). According to Pigai, the President's statement is a form of the state's commitment to respecting human rights.

"The president made an official statement quoting ICCPR: Respect freedom of opinion, assembly and law enforcement according to regulations and laws and human rights standards," he said.

He further explained that the legal process in a transparent manner is being carried out by the authorities while maintaining freedom of expression. "The government is moderate and will recover victims," he said.

Previously, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the Indonesian government to conduct a quick, thorough, and transparent investigation into alleged human rights violations in handling a series of demonstrations related to DPR allowances.

The statement was made by spokesman Ravina Shamdasani who was uploaded to the OHCHR Asia Instagram account this Tuesday.

"The authorities must uphold the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as well as maintain order, in accordance with international norms and standards in managing public action," Ravina said.

Meanwhile, Minister Pigai, through an official statement in Jakarta, Monday, September 1, said the Ministry of Human Rights opened a complaint service regarding the development of the situation and dynamics in the community. Complaints can be submitted through call center service 150145 at 08.00's 21.00 WIB.

In addition, Pigai said that his party had also formed a team to monitor the current conditions to ensure the protection of human rights, especially the handling and fulfillment of rights for victims of death, injuries, and participants of detained demonstrations.

"Especially for the detained victims, the Ministry of Human Rights will coordinate further with the police so that the handling is in accordance with human rights principles and standards," he said.