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Jokowi's second year: Human rights and security reform questioned
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Activists from human rights watchdog Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) protest in front of the Presidential Palace on July 27 following the announcement of the new cabinet members in the second round of cabinet reshuffle. They are protesting President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's decision to appoint retired general and chairman of Hanura Party Wiranto as the new Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister. (Antara/Aprilio Akbar)
T
he administration of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla has yet to prioritize human rights and security reform during their two years in office, rights watchdog Imparsial says.
There has not been significant initiative to improve protection for citizens' rights of freedom of belief shown by Jokowi's administration, Imparsial deputy director Gufron Mabruri said on Wednesday. The state of the nation has resulted in widespread acts of intolerance directed at religious minority groups, ranging from discrimination in public services to attacks against houses of worship.
"A number of laws that apparently threaten religious freedom are still maintained and not being reviewed. It is problematic since the laws are used by groups to discriminate and attack minorities," Gufron said on Wednesday, citing Blasphemy Law as well as joint ministerial decree (SKB) that declared Ahmadiyah a deviant sect.
The government has failed to protect freedom of expression, shown by the repeated disbandment of academic discussions and film screenings by groups to whom state officials are submissive. Protection of rights activists have also been at risk under Jokowi-Kalla's administration as violent attacks ranging from arrest to torture have persisted, he added.
Meanwhile, Imparsial director Al-Araf said Jokowi's administration had yet to make any serious attempt for security sector reform. There has been no concrete push for intelligence agency reform to end impunity of Indonesian Military (TNI) by reforming military tribunals as well as to eradicate the culture of violence committed by TNI and police personnel against civilians.
The government also lacks concern in preventing TNI from becoming too large an influence in civilians lives, he said, criticizing TNI's involvement in non-military operations, such as eviction. (rin)
