Indonesia Human Rights Minister promotes Human Rights Aware Village program

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has emphasized the importance of the Human Rights Aware Village program in ensuring the fulfillment of basic rights at the village, sub-district, and hamlet levels. Speaking at a coordination meeting in Jakarta, Pigai stated that human rights must be realized through daily social relations rather than just formal forums, particularly to protect vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and indigenous communities.

The program aligns with the first 'Asta Cita' of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration and the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan. Currently, Human Rights Activists serve as official partners and representatives of the Ministry, working across 200 mentored villages to expand education and protection.

Deputy Human Rights Minister Mugiyanto added that these local activists serve as an extension of the ministry to address grassroots issues that central officials cannot reach directly. He noted that the program aims to monitor community issues, including addressing bullying in schools. Mugiyanto acknowledged that the current number of activists remains limited relative to Indonesia’s more than 85,000 villages, indicating a need for expansion.