As we celebrate Human Rights Day on Dec. 12, 2009, it is important to note Indonesia's efforts to promote the ASEAN Human Rights Body.
Notwithstanding the ASEAN charter becoming a legally binding framework for ASEAN states, people have criticisized the ASEAN Charter's ability to deal with human rights problems in the ASEAN region.
In October 2009 in Pattaya, the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting came up with no significant improvements to this charter. As a result, the effectiveness of the ASEAN Human Rights Commission is still doubtful. Indonesia has become a front runner on this matter, considering its proposal for the commission to be the authority on human rights inspections and individual access for freedom of expression within the ASEAN forum.
Unfortunately, the format of these proposals is still far from Indonesia's expectations. Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa stated in Pattaya that "We should move step by step.
"Eventhough we have been the leader in this process since the beginning, as a leader we sometimes have to make sure our progress meets the speed of other countries in this transformation.
"It is useless if we are in front, but no one follows us." It seems Indonesia's wish for an enhancement of human rights in the region is far from becoming a reality.
This statement is very interesting, taking into account that other ASEAN member states are not as concerned about human rights problems as Indonesia.
Look at Malaysia; a country which still has discriminatory laws and treats indigenous and non-indigenous people differently. On top of that, Myanmar remains at the center of attention on human rights violations in the ASEAN region.
The so-called "constructive engagement" in ASEAN cannot be effectively carried out to deal with the long unresolved Aung San Suu Kyi problem. As a result, international trust in ASEAN's efforts to resolve her problem is decreasing.
Despite of the lack willingness of ASEAN countries in promoting the Human Rights body, it is necessary to note that there is one thing we should not forget. Do we, Indonesia, really have enough guts to do so?
We can be proud that we are regarded as the most advanced democracy in the region. With several relatively peaceful elections in Indonesia, international praise for Indonesia's democracy has been enormous.
Nevertheless, the pride of being a leader in promoting the human rights body should be followed up with domestic achievements in dealing with human rights issues. In this case, there may be a chance for Indonesia to show off our human rights record, or frankly speaking, a chance to be ashamed of ourselves.
Considering domestic achievements in dealing with human rights enhancement, we should bear in mind there has still been no serious action taken by the current elected government. Indonesia is still an "insomnia" state.
The records of important human rights violations in Indonesia have not decreased even an inch. Indonesia is moving to forget the tragedy of 1965, May 1998, and the most recent extraordinary human rights calamity, the 2004 Munir assassination.
As a pro-human rights country, it is important to bear in mind that Indonesian people should and will not forget these tragedies. While I have not lost hope in the current government, I still doubt whether the "old" human rights problems which have been here for decades can be resolved because of a lack of actors and facts today.
It is crucial for all parts of society to keep pressuring the government to take domestic human rights problems seriously. The media, as a pillar of Indonesia's democracy, has the most vital role in this.
The role of young people in creating awareness is no less important than the media. Young people are agents of change and will become the next decision makers in this country.
Therefore, young people should remember that these problems have significant effects on the well-being of Indonesian democracy. If the current generation characterizes Indonesia as in a state of "insomnia", they should not let this negative characteristic embrace the mindset of all Indonesians.
Young people can do much to bring about the changes we need today, but inaction is inexorable. The idealism of youth should help them bravely defend less powerful people.
It should be noted that we should resolve our domestic human rights problems first before asking others to follow.
This annual human rights day could be the perfect opportunity for us to show the world we have not forgotten our poor human rights record, but are serious in dealing with domestic human rights problems.
Otherwise, the ASEAN Human Rights Commission will only become a burden for us. Thus, when the government can it has made an effort, it will be much easier for our Foreign Minister to realize his wish: to be a true leader in human rights for the ASEAN bloc.
The writer is an international relations student at Parahyangan Catholic University. He is a finalist in Indonesia's ASEAN Young Ambassador competition.
