JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The newly inagurated Indonesian Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, expressed strong optimism about securing an increased budget for his ministry aimed at advancing human rights development in Indonesia, both physically and non-physically.

Speaking after a welcome event at the Directorate General of Human Rights office in Jakarta on October 21, 2024, Pigai revealed that he has engaged in discussions with the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) and the Ministry of Finance regarding the budget increase.

“There will definitely be an increase. I have spoken directly with the Head of Bappenas and the Minister of Finance about our commitment to human rights development, both physical and non-physical,” said Pigai.

When asked about the estimated funds needed for the Human Rights Ministry, the former National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) commissioner stated that he aims for a budget exceeding IDR 20 trillion.

“If the state has the capability, we want more than IDR 20 trillion. I can deliver results—don’t underestimate my capabilities. I am a field worker in human rights, and I can achieve this if the budget allows,” he asserted.

During his speech at the welcome event at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Pigai highlighted the importance of budget allocation for the ministry. “Why did the President establish the Human Rights Ministry? It signifies a major initiative that needs sufficient funding,” he remarked.

The Human Rights Ministry is focused on advancing human rights across Indonesia, which includes developing regulations, protecting citizens, and ensuring the fulfillment of societal rights. Pigai emphasized that such development cannot be achieved with a limited budget.

He pointed out that if he aims to establish 10 human rights study centers and promote awareness across all 80,000 villages in Indonesia, adequate funding is crucial. “How can I build these initiatives without sufficient resources?” he questioned.

The proposed budget for the Human Rights Ministry in 2024 is IDR 64.855 billion, which Pigai believes is insufficient to realize President Prabowo Subianto’s vision for the ministry. He called for a reevaluation of this budget.

It is important to note that the Human Rights Ministry is a development of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham), which also includes the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.

At the welcome event, the Secretary-General of Kemenkumham, Nico Afinta, clarified that the 2024 budget allocation for the Human Rights Ministry is IDR 64.855 billion, constituting just 0.31 percent of Kemenkumham’s total budget.

This funding is designated for programs focused on human rights protection, public education on human rights, and international cooperation to enhance Indonesia’s position in global human rights discourse.

The budget for the Ministry of Justice is set at IDR 7.294 trillion, accounting for 35.14 percent of Kemenkumham’s overall budget, while the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections receives IDR 13.397 trillion, or 64.64 percent. (Uki Ruknuddin)