Jakarta – The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) plans to meet the new National Police chief, Comr. Gen. Tito Karnavian, to demand his commitment to safeguarding the freedom of religion in Indonesia.
"I'm happy to know that the next police chief has stated his commitment to make human rights principles an important part of his agenda. Later, we will invite him to our office, maybe after Idul Fitri [observed on July 6], to discuss matters pertaining to religion and the freedom of faith," Komnas HAM chairman M. Imdadun Rahmat said in Jakarta recently.
In an earlier statement, Tito said if he was appointed as the new police chief, he would uphold human rights principles, especially in handling terrorism.
The House of Representatives officially appointed Tito as the new National Police chief during a plenary meeting on June 27. The decision followed a series of screenings held by the House's Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, human rights and security.
Imdadun said he expected Tito to influence all police officers to have a deep understanding on human rights principles. "A clear understanding could pave the way for the police to be a supporter of human rights," he said. (vps/ebf)