Jakarta (ANTARA) – A senior lawmaker said revisions to Indonesia’s human rights law must not undermine the independence of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), amid concerns the proposed changes could weaken its authority.Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives' (DPR's) Commission XIII Andreas Hugo Pareira said concerns raised by National Human Rights Commission chairwoman Anis Hidayah over potential weakening should be addressed.“An independent human rights commission must be protected and remain free from political interference so it can perform its duties properly,” Pareira said in Jakarta on Thursday.He said the commission must remain capable of carrying out its mandate to protect rights and prevent human rights violations.Pareira said the draft revision to Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights has not yet reached Commission XIII, which oversees human rights affairs.According to him, the bill has already been included in the national legislative program as a government initiative.“It is likely still within the government, undergoing inter-ministerial discussions,” he said.Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission called for revisions to the law to strengthen the mandate and effectiveness of national human rights institutions.Commission Chairwoman Anis Hidayah said stronger institutional authority was needed to ensure reforms remain aligned with post-reform principles and evolving human rights challenges.In its review, the commission highlighted several provisions in the draft bill that it believes require revision, including those affecting research and public education functions.“Eliminating these functions would clearly weaken the commission’s ability to oversee the state and build critical awareness among state institutions,” Anis said on Tuesday, May 26.