Indonesia Ministry of Human Rights expands civil society participation

Indonesia’s Ministry of Human Rights is implementing new strategies to integrate civil society input into national development. Through the 2026 Human Rights Consultation Forum, the ministry aims to adopt a “bottom-up” approach to policy-making, ensuring that the voices of activists, academics, lawyers, and journalists are heard, considered, and explained in the legislative process.

Deputy Minister Mugiyanto emphasized that this forum is intended to become an annual event to ensure meaningful participation. The ministry also plans to utilize the Human Rights Development Planning Meeting (Musrenbang HAM) to involve government officials from local to central levels, creating a dual-track system for inclusive development.

In a separate initiative, Minister Natalius Pigai has expanded human rights education and socialization programs across several regions, including Mandailing Natal, West Kalimantan, Gorontalo, and East Nusa Tenggara. These programs have reached tens of thousands of participants, including students and academics, to foster a national culture of respect for human rights.