Minister of Human Rights rejects police report, encourages dialogue on the controversy of the JK statement

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai / ANTARA / Fath Putra Mulya / pri.

JAKARTA - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai encourages the resolution of the polemics of the statements of the 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, through dialogue, as an effort to maintain unity in the midst of potential social tensions based on differences of opinion.

Pigai assessed that a non-litigation approach was more effective in calming conflicts than legal steps, especially in sensitive issues such as religion.

"I as the Minister of Human Rights do not agree with the police report against Mr. JK. I reject it firmly. To be honest, there is no benefit either," said Pigai as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 15.

He assessed that resolving through clarification and open communication can prevent the escalation of conflicts while maintaining social cohesion in society.

According to him, Jusuf Kalla as a national figure is not appropriate to be directly assumed to have the intention to discredit a certain group.

"Mr JK is a statesman, my former vice president, I am not sure there is a bad intention to discredit a certain religion," he said.

Pigai emphasized that if there were questionable statements, the dialogue mechanism should be the main choice before taking legal action.

"There are things that if they are considered inappropriate, they can be clarified through dialogue, without having to report to the police," he said.

He also reminded the importance of public maturity in responding to differences so as not to be easily provoked by divisive narratives.

"Clashing one community with another through religious issues will only harm us as a nation," he said.

According to Pigai, maintaining social coolness is the key in the midst of national dynamics, so all parties need to prioritize the common interest.

"It is much more important at this time that we maintain coolness, unity and unity. Take the path of dialogue," he said.

Previously, a number of community organizations reported Jusuf Kalla to the police regarding his statement in a controversial lecture.

However, Jusuf Kalla's party emphasized that his statement was not to teach theology, but to explain the dynamics of conflict and the importance of clarifying understanding for the achievement of peace.