RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Maruli Siahaan, emphasized that respecting, protecting, fulfilling, enforcing, and advancing human rights – summarized in the Indonesian term as "P5HAM" – must become part of everyday culture. He believes that human rights values cannot be understood simply as legal concepts but must be implemented in every aspect of society.

He made this statement during a socialization event with the House's partners in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The event featured Head of the Ministry of Human Rights Regional Office for North Sumatra and the Riau Islands, Flora Nainggolan and the Dean of the Faculty of Law at HKBP Nommensen University, Janpatar Simamora.

Maruli explained that the P5HAM must be realized in family life, educational settings, workplaces, places of worship, digital spaces, and public services. He believes that respecting others' rights can begin with simple actions in everyday life. On the other hand, he also highlighted the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which brings both benefits and new challenges to human rights protection.

It's important to note the various potential violations, ranging from misuse of personal data, cyberbullying, the dissemination of someone's identity for intimidation, digital fraud, and the misuse of deepfake technology. Therefore, Maruli emphasized that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly, while respecting the rights of others and adhering to applicable laws.

"Technology should be used to support human life, not to demean, intimidate, or deprive individuals of their rights. Therefore, the state must continue to strengthen regulations, oversight, digital literacy, and easily accessible complaint mechanisms," Maruli said as quoted by dpr.go.id on Monday, August 3, 2026.

In addition to digital issues, the socialization also discussed various basic rights of citizens, including the right to education, health, decent work, religious freedom, legal protection, a healthy environment, and protection for vulnerable groups, such as children, women, people with disabilities, the elderly, victims of crime, indigenous peoples, and Indonesian migrant workers.

He also emphasized that law enforcement must continue to respect human rights principles. He stated that state officials have the authority to carry out legal actions as long as they comply with regulations, procedures, and the principle of proportionality.

"Law enforcement is not a human rights violation if it is carried out in accordance with the law and procedures. However, violence, torture, discrimination, arbitrary actions, and disregard for the basic rights of the community cannot be justified," he conveyed.

Maruli expressed his commitment to consistently carrying out his legislative, oversight, and budgetary functions to ensure that state policies increasingly support the respect and protection of human rights. He also encouraged the introduction of human rights education at an early age through families, schools, community organizations, religious institutions, the business world, and various public service sectors.

Meanwhile, Flora Nainggolan underscored the importance of collaboration among the government, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), academics, and the public in raising awareness and providing human rights-based public services. Janpatar Simamora presented an academic perspective on the state's obligation to respect, protect, fulfill, uphold, and advance human rights, as mandated by the constitution.