Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has called for the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to maintain—and even strengthen—its position as an independent watchdog. Speaking at a meeting with Komnas HAM in Jakarta on Thursday (April 30), Mahendra said he agreed with several points raised by the commission, particularly the need to safeguard its independence. “At the very least, Komnas HAM’s position must be maintained, if not strengthened. The human rights monitoring and enforcement functions cannot be taken over by the government,” he stated on Friday. He stressed the importance of coordination among ministries and agencies during the legislative process to avoid overlapping authorities, noting that further consultation with the Directorate General of Legislation and other ministries is needed before the Human Rights Bill proceeds. Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah underscored that the commission embodies the state’s commitment to advancing and protecting human rights, as mandated by Law No. 39 of 1999.She argued that after more than two decades, the law requires updating to reflect modern developments and international standards.“The draft amendments should strengthen the protection and respect for human rights, while adapting to evolving societal needs,” she said. Komnas HAM has raised concerns over the draft bill, including the risk of centralizing state obligations under a single ministry and weakening the commission’s independence by placing it under ministerial coordination. The commission also warned that redefining national human rights institutions—such as Komnas HAM, Komnas Perempuan, the Child Protection Commission (KPAI), and the National Commission for Disabilities—could alter their equal standing. Hidayah emphasized that legislative changes should reinforce, not undermine, independent institutions, while safeguarding Indonesia’s credibility on the international stage.