Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – The Indonesian Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, responded to President Prabowo Subianto's recent statements regarding the principles of Human Rights (HAM). At that time, Prabowo criticized the application of Western-style Human Rights, which he considered to be hypocritical.
Natalius agreed with what the president had said. "I just agree with what the president said," said Natalius in a press conference at Grand Sahid, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 8 December 2025.
According to Natalius, it would be inappropriate to question the president's statement to a minister under the president's leadership. He believes it would be more relevant to ask a human rights observer or activist.
He also refused to provide further comments regarding Prabowo's statement. "There is no elaboration. We are implementers, so what the president said, that is what we carry out," Natalius told journalists.
Previously, Prabowo stated that Indonesia must have a unique political character. He argued that Indonesia cannot simply follow the political model of other countries.
"We can't just follow the politics of other countries, democracy in the West may not necessarily be suitable for us," said Prabowo in a speech commemorating the anniversary of the Golkar Party on Friday night, 5 December 2025, as quoted from the official YouTube channel of the Golkar Central Leadership Board.
Prabowo then mentioned Western countries that taught democracy but still colonized Indonesia for hundreds of years. He also mentioned that Western countries often preach about human rights, but in practice, they also violate human rights.
Therefore, according to Prabowo, the implementation of democracy and human rights feels selective and full of hypocrisy. "So apparently democracy and human rights are according to their taste. If it suits their taste, then it's made a big deal," he said.
Prabowo emphasized that the Indonesian nation must believe in its own capabilities and not submit to external pressures. He also warned that Indonesia should not be dictated by other nations.
In his inauguration speech on Sunday, 20 October 2024, Prabowo emphasized that Indonesian democracy must be in line with the nation's character. "Let us be aware that our democracy must be unique to Indonesia, suitable for our nation," he said at the time.
– Eka Yudha Saputra and Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article.