December 9, 2025 | 07:57 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, responded to President Prabowo Subianto's recent statements regarding the principles of Human Rights (HAM). At that time, Prabowo criticized the application of Western-style Human Rights, which he considered to be hypocritical.
Natalius agreed with what the president had said. "I just agree with what the president said," said Natalius in a press conference at Grand Sahid, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 8 December 2025.
According to Natalius, it would be inappropriate to question the president's statement to a minister under the president's leadership. He believes it would be more relevant to ask a human rights observer or activist.
He also refused to provide further comments regarding Prabowo's statement. "There is no elaboration. We are implementers, so what the president said, that is what we carry out," Natalius told journalists.
Previously, Prabowo stated that Indonesia must have a unique political character. He argued that Indonesia cannot simply follow the political model of other countries.
"We can't just follow the politics of other countries, democracy in the West may not necessarily be suitable for us," said Prabowo in a speech commemorating the anniversary of the Golkar Party on Friday night, 5 December 2025, as quoted from the official YouTube channel of the Golkar Central Leadership Board.
Prabowo then mentioned Western countries that taught democracy but still colonized Indonesia for hundreds of years. He also mentioned that Western countries often preach about human rights, but in practice, they also violate human rights.
Therefore, according to Prabowo, the implementation of democracy and human rights feels selective and full of hypocrisy. "So apparently democracy and human rights are according to their taste. If it suits their taste, then it's made a big deal," he said.
Prabowo emphasized that the Indonesian nation must believe in its own capabilities and not submit to external pressures. He also warned that Indonesia should not be dictated by other nations.
In his inauguration speech on Sunday, 20 October 2024, Prabowo emphasized that Indonesian democracy must be in line with the nation's character. "Let us be aware that our democracy must be unique to Indonesia, suitable for our nation," he said at the time.
Eka Yudha Saputra and Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Prabowo: Western Democracy May Be Unfit for Indonesia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
YLBHI Warns Minister Pigai's Stance on Criminal Code Could Harm Indonesia's Image at the UN
15 hari lalu
YLBHI evaluates Minister of Human Rights and Justice Natalius Pigai's statement on KUHAP as erroneous and indicates that the ministry has not fulfilled its role as a guardian of human rights standards.
Ministry Claims New KUHAP Upholds Human Rights Despite Backlash
16 hari lalu
Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai asserted that the majority of the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) aligns with human rights principles.
Minister Natalius Pigai: No Chance to Wither 'Already Weak' Komnas HAM
32 hari lalu
Natalius Pigai said the human rights institution is weak enough, and sets to strengthen its authority. Komnas HAM commissioner begs to differ.
Indonesia's Rights Minister Proposes Parliament Courtyard as Protest Venue
15 September 2025
The provision of a protest area in the House of Representatives courtyard aims to reduce traffic congestion and bring the people closer to parliament.
Indonesian Human Rights Minister Forms Team to Protect Protest Victims
2 September 2025
The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has reported a total of 1,683 arrests by Jakarta police during the demonstrations from August 25.
Indonesian Minister Dismisses UN Call for Human Rights Probe as Too Late
2 September 2025
Human Rights Minister Natalius stated that the UN's statement on human rights was "too late," claiming the government had already taken swift action.
Papuan Students Deliver 7 Urgent Demands to Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai
4 Juni 2025
Papuan students gathered at the Ministry of Human Rights office to urge the Indonesian Government to prosecute human rights violators in Papua.
Jokowi Shares Front Row with Trump, Macron at Pope Francis' Funeral in Vatican
26 April 2025
Former Indonesian President Jokowi was one of the four people sent by President Prabowo Subianto to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
Human Rights Minister: Indonesia's Democracy Index Decline Reflects Jokowi Era, Not Prabowo
11 Maret 2025
Indonesia's Democracy Index has dropped three positions from 56th to 59th out of a total of 167 countries surveyed for their democratic conditions.
Natalius Pigai Dismisses Fears of Authoritarianism Revival as Mere Imagination
11 Maret 2025
Natalius Pigai downplays concerns over the resurgence of militarism and authoritarianism in Prabowo Subianto's government, calling them imagination.
