“Currently, 10 Human Rights-Aware villages have been established, and more will follow in 2026 as part of our program to advance and fulfill human rights,” the ministry's secretary-general, Novita Ilmaris, told ANTARA here on Friday.
According to her, the approach helps the ministry address potential risks early, prevent conflicts and ensure communities understand and uphold human rights from the beginning.
Through this program, the ministry aims to foster human rights awareness within local communities while ensuring citizens’ basic rights are met.
“We hope to identify early on which fundamental rights in a village have been fulfilled and which have not. More than that, we want to facilitate and coordinate so that these rights are realized,” she explained.
By doing so, the ministry believes potential conflicts that could lead to human rights violations can be mitigated.
"This is one of the Ministry of Human Rights’ policies that receives special attention from the Minister,” she added.
In 2025, among others, the Human Rights-Aware villages were established in Bontomanai and Bonto Jai in South Sulawesi; Muaro Jambi and Tangkit Baru in Jambi; Sidorejo and Brangsong in Central Java; Akar Begantung and Sungai Landas in South Kalimantan; and Pepakgeda and Lewopao in East Nusa Tenggara.
While the ministry did not specify the exact number of villages to be added in 2026, Ilmaris confirmed the expansion is part of the strategic plan for next year.
She emphasized that a village’s willingness to participate in guidance and facilitation for human rights awareness is key.
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Translator: Fath, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
