Indonesia Wants to Control Who Can Be a Human Rights Defender
Indonesia plans to change its 1999 Human Rights Law to let the government decide who counts as a rights defender. Human Rights Watch warns this threatens freedom and puts activists, including LGBTQ+ defenders, at greater risk.
The Indonesian government wants to change an important law. The law is about human rights and was made in 1999. Officials announced this on April 30, 2026.
The government wants to create a team. This team would decide who is a real human rights defender. Only approved defenders would get official recognition. Human Rights Watch strongly criticized this plan.
This plan comes after a violent attack. Activist Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid on March 12, 2026. The attack happened in Jakarta. Four Indonesian soldiers are accused of this attack. The incident caused public anger across the country.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai spoke about the changes. He said a team of assessors would be formed. This team would evaluate human rights defenders. Critics say this is very dangerous.
Human Rights Watch warns that this plan is harmful. It would limit freedom of expression. It would also limit freedom of association. These are fundamental human rights. The plan could put defenders at greater risk.
LGBTQ+ activists in Indonesia are especially vulnerable. Indonesia already has a difficult climate for LGBTQ+ people. Government control over who counts as a rights defender could silence LGBTQ+ voices. Many LGBTQ+ activists could lose their protected status.
Organizations like Human Rights Watch are calling for action. They want the Indonesian government to stop this plan. They also want justice for Andrie Yunus. The soldiers involved in the acid attack must be held accountable.
The attack on Yunus shocked many people. Acid attacks are extremely violent and cruel. They cause severe and permanent injuries. Using such violence against a rights activist is alarming.
International human rights groups are watching Indonesia closely. They say governments should protect rights defenders. They should not control or limit them. Creating barriers for activists goes against international human rights standards.
The situation in Indonesia is serious. Civil society organizations need freedom to work. Without that freedom, human rights abuses can grow. LGBTQ+ people and other minorities suffer most when defenders are silenced.