JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS— In response to the inauguration of the new members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) or law makers for the 2024-2029 term, Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, emphasized the need for the legislature to critically review executive policies that compromise human rights.

Today, 580 members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) or law makers were officially inaugurated. The inaugural session was led by the interim speaker of the DPR. Additionally, 152 members of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) were also sworn in. The ceremony was attended by President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who is set to be inaugurated on October 20, 2024.

 

“As hundreds of DPR members take their oath today, we remember the second anniversary of the Kanjuruhan tragedy. This event serves as a stark reminder of unresolved human rights violations, many of which stem from executive policies,” Hamid stated.

He criticized the previous legislature for its inadequate oversight, highlighting ongoing issues such as state violence and a lack of accountability for past human rights abuses. He noted that the recent passage of development policies without public consultation reflects a troubling decline in human rights protections, attributed in part to the DPR’s weakened control.

He also pointed out that laws such as the ITE Law and the revised Criminal Code continue to restrict freedom of expression. He expressed concerns about the Omnibus Law, which he argued negatively impacts workers’ rights and environmental protections.

Furthermore, he highlighted unresolved legislative matters from the previous term, including revisions to broadcasting, military, and police laws that pose risks to human rights.