Yogyakarta, 29 July 2026 — The Research Center for Law, Gender, and Society (LGS), Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a coordination meeting with the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) to discuss several critical issues in the ongoing revision process of the Human Rights Bill (RUU HAM). This meeting formed part of a broader discussion process that has already gone through a public consultation stage and harmonization process, with a follow-up thematic harmonization session planned for the following week.
The meeting addressed fundamental questions concerning the direction and purpose of the RUU HAM revision, particularly how the revision is expected to respond to the evolving dynamics of legal and human rights norms, including alignment with various international instruments that Indonesia has ratified, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
One of the key concerns raised during the discussion was the importance of harmonizing the RUU HAM with other legal and human rights instruments, including issues of discrimination against gender minorities and the broader protection of vulnerable groups. Participants emphasized the need for careful attention in interpreting the ongoing development of legal norms within the bill, to ensure that the resulting substance genuinely reflects a spirit of protection rather than mere legislative formality.
The discussion also highlighted the role of civil society, particularly women's human rights defenders, in monitoring the reproduction of related policies and regulations. Several provisions were noted as potentially risky if not carefully formulated, particularly regarding the state's, and especially the government's, obligation to fulfill rights, as well as how resulting recommendations could be made legally binding. In addition, the meeting raised concerns over the definition of "child" within the RUU HAM, which was considered unclear and in need of alignment with international conventions already ratified by Indonesia.
Through this coordination meeting, LGS FH UGM and Komnas Perempuan reaffirmed their commitment to critically and constructively monitor the revision process of the RUU HAM, to ensure that the resulting legal product can more comprehensively and equitably address human rights protection challenges, particularly for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
The activity also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality by strengthening the protection of women’s rights and vulnerable groups and promoting non-discriminatory policies. It also supports SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by encouraging a transparent, coherent, and human rights-based legislative process. Through collaboration between LGS FH UGM and the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), efforts to monitor the revision of the Human Rights Bill are expected to strengthen an inclusive and accountable legal framework that provides more comprehensive protection for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Author: Nasywa Intan Ramadhanty (LGS)
