Govt: Human Rights Law Revision Strengthens Komnas HAM Oversight

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The government has emphasized that the revision of Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights aims to strengthen the National Commission on Human Rights’ (Komnas HAM) authority, including its investigative powers and surprise oversight functions. The expanded mandate allows unannounced monitoring of immigration detention facilities, police stations, prosecutor’s offices, and other institutions.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Human Rights, Novita Ilmaris, said the revised law is still undergoing public review to gather input from academics, experts, journalists, and human rights organizations across several regions.

“We are conducting public hearings on revising Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights. This is part of drafting the revised law, involving academics, experts, journalists, and national human rights institutions,” Novita said during an interview at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Monday, May 25, 2026.

She noted that hearings have been held at universities in Yogyakarta and Semarang, as well as through Human Rights Class forums, campus discussions, and bill reviews with the government’s drafting team.

Novita added that the revised Human Rights Law is included in the 2026 national legislation agenda and will be discussed with the House of Representatives (DPR RI), with the possibility of ratification this year.

Human rights expert Ifdhal Kasim dismissed concerns that the revision would weaken Komnas HAM. He said the draft instead strengthens the institution’s functions and authority.

“There is nothing in this bill that weakens Komnas HAM. On the contrary, it strengthens Komnas HAM in terms of its functions,” he said.

Komnas HAM’s expanded powers include investigative authority, forced summonses, and issuing legal opinions in national trials. The revised law also grants the commission authority to conduct unannounced monitoring of immigration detention facilities, police stations, and prosecutor’s offices.

Another expert, Siti Aminah, said a new forum has been created to improve inter‑institutional coordination on human rights cases. The forum involves various institutions to strengthen monitoring and protection of human rights.

“The goal is to strengthen national human rights institutions, including thematic institutions,” Siti said. (Misni Parjiati)