Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai downplays concerns over the resurgence of militarism and authoritarianism in Prabowo Subianto's government, calling them mere imagination. He believes such assumptions stem from lingering memories of the New Order era.
"Past events and memories seem to be projected into everyone's imagination," Natalius stated during a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
The former National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) commissioner argued that fears of militarism and authoritarian rule do not reflect reality. He even described these narratives as exaggerated and misleading accusations.
"These are cruel, baseless, and insinuative claims about militarization and rising authoritarianism," he said.
Natalius pointed to Prabowo's decision to establish the Ministry of Human Rights as evidence that authoritarianism is not on the rise. According to him, only democratic nations prioritize human rights at the ministerial level.
"Indonesia is one of just four countries in the world with a dedicated Human Rights Ministry. In this environment, can we really say authoritarianism and militarism exist?" he asserted.
Concerns over the military's role in Prabowo's administration stem from its involvement in key government initiatives. The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has criticized Prabowo's deployment of the military for national strategic projects (PSN), such as the Food Estate program in Merauke and the Rempang Eco City project.
"This pattern is expected to expand to other national strategic projects," YLBHI stated in a report titled "Taking a Step Back to Destroy Democracy: 100 Days of Prabowo's Regime," released on January 20, 2025.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard warned of growing authoritarian tendencies in Indonesia, citing the increasing influence of the military in policy-making and civilian institutions over the past decade. She also noted a rise in human rights violations and militarization of public spaces.
"I visited Indonesia as part of a global campaign against authoritarian practices, resisting efforts – such as those by Donald Trump and his allies – to undermine human rights and global governance," Callamard said in a written statement on March 7, 2025.
– Nandito Putra contributed to the writing of this article.