Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on Commemoration of Human Rights Day (virtually) Thursday, 10 December 2020 from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

 Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

May prosperity be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greetings of virtue.

Distinguished Ministers, Heads of State Institutions;

Distinguished Chairman and Members of the National Commission on Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, Human Rights Activists, Governors, Regents and Mayors;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

We share the same commitment that respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights are important pillars for Indonesia to become a more civilized, resilient and advanced nation.

The Government has never stopped to resolve past human rights issues in wise and dignified manner. We must join hands to solve it and devote our energies to the progress of the nation. I have assigned Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs to continue to resolve past human rights issues so that the results can be accepted by all elements as well as the international community.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Government’s strong commitment to upholding human rights has been set in the 2020-2025 National Action Plan for Human Rights. Civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights must be protected in a balanced manner with none of them being neglected.

We are currently facing a serious crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought a health crisis and an economic crisis. We continue to work hard to prevent the spread of the virus, treat the patients, prevent death, and provide economic assistance to the underprivileged and MSMEs. We must not let the pandemic hinder our efforts to fulfill people’s human rights.

Apart from that, we are still facing several problems that we must resolve. I heard that there are still problems with freedom of worship in some places. For that, I ask the apparatus, central / regional governments to be active and responsive to resolve that problem in a peaceful manner.

We must also dedicate infrastructure development as infrastructure for the fulfillment of human rights by ensuring affordability of the rights to mobility, health, food and basic necessities, including one price fuel. Likewise, human capital development is carried out by reducing stunting cases and ensuring adequate educational affordability, especially in remote areas and outermost islands.

I also pay special attention to our brothers and sisters with disabilities. We have formed a National Commission on Disabilities which is oriented towards a human rights approach.

I also welcome the annual festival of the Human Rights Friendly City as a form of cooperation between the Government, the National Commission on Human Rights, and human rights observers. This festival is a joint commitment in promoting human rights principles in the regions.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to express my gratitude to the National Commission on Human Rights and human rights activists who are committed to increasing human rights awareness. Let us all play an active role to respect the rights of others and being responsible for the fulfillment of rights of others.

By increasing respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights, we will become a more civilized, resilient and advanced nation.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Om Santi Santi Santi Om,

Namo Buddhaya.

Translated by Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by Muhardi