Indonesia Expands Protections for Vulnerable Groups in Human Rights Law Revision
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- Indonesia is revising its Human Rights Law to expand protections for vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities through stronger anti-discrimination measures.
- The proposed law introduces a broader definition of discrimination and incorporates affirmative action policies, along with recognition of indigenous rights such as Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and customary land protections.
- The government aims to create a more inclusive human rights framework, ensuring equal treatment and legal safeguards for marginalized populations ahead of legislative discussions in 2026.
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ministry of Human Rights (KemenHAM) is moving to broaden legal protections for vulnerable groups through a revision of the 1999 Human Rights Law, introducing stronger anti-discrimination principles, affirmative action policies, and formal recognition of indigenous rights.
Siti Aminah, an expert staff member at KemenHAM, stated that the protection of vulnerable groups has become a central issue in the draft revision, aimed at ensuring a more inclusive human rights framework that addresses the needs of women, children, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities.
“The issue of vulnerable groups is a key component and a substantive part of the Human Rights Bill,” Siti said during a public consultation forum on the revision of Law No. 39/1999 in Jakarta on Monday.
One of the most significant changes proposed in the draft is the expansion of the definition of discrimination, which previously covered only limited categories. The revised bill broadens the scope to include religion, belief, ethnicity, race, skin color, language, ancestry, social and economic status, gender, gender identity, age, political views, disability, marital status, and health conditions.
According to Siti, this expanded definition is designed to provide stronger legal safeguards for individuals and communities that have historically faced unequal treatment and systemic exclusion.
“The broader definition of discrimination is intended to ensure that individuals who experience differences, limitations, or exclusion based on these factors are fully protected under the law,” she explained.
Beyond anti-discrimination measures, the revised law also incorporates the concept of temporary special measures, or affirmative action, aimed at accelerating equality for vulnerable groups.
Siti noted that the provisions are tailored to address the specific needs of each group, including enhanced protections for women, children, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.
“For women, we emphasize affirmative representation in all levels of decision-making processes,” she said.
The draft also underscores key rights such as bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, the best interests of the child, and improved accessibility and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.
In relation to indigenous communities, the government seeks to formally recognize customary land rights (hak ulayat) and introduce the obligation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before any investment or development activities take place in indigenous territories.
“These are the maximum efforts we can push within this bill to ensure that no one is left behind,” Siti added.
KemenHAM is currently conducting a series of public consultations on the draft revision before it proceeds to further deliberation in Indonesia’s 2026 national legislative program.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
