The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) collaborating with Center for Legal Aids and Studies (PKBH) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the opening of ‘Pos Penerimaan Konsultasi dan Pengaduan Pro Aktif’ (Post for Consultation and Complaint) on Tuesday (14/8) at E5 of UMY. The FGD participated by several Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of Human Rights in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta was a form to reinforce programs of Komnas HAM of the Republic of Indonesia to monitor and handle human right issues in Indonesia.

Commissioner for the Study and Research of Komnas HAM of the Republic of Indonesia Mohammad Choirul Anam stated that the FGD aimed to optimize performance of Komnas HAM of the Republic of Indonesia. “Komnas HAM is designed as a supervisory institution to handle human right issues. This commission is to ensure that stakeholders cope with the issues as government does all their duties well. However, the hardest human right infringements are overcome by Komnas HAM. What we are seeking to improve is regarding infrastructures through engaging all society elements and activities in line with or opposite human right issues. The FGD shows enthusiasm of NGO members to deal with humanitarian issues and becomes our reminder to keep on the track and to fight for human rights.

The post functions as a place for society to consult human right issues. “Having direct interaction with community means that they are involved in controlling and updating an issue. It can be strengthened by the establishment of accounted accountability. “The mechanism of complaints will be handled by NGOs cooperating with Komnas HAM. Thus, the networking can control complaint procedures, at least administration completeness, and Komnas HAM can quickly respond to human right issues,” explained Choirul.

Meanwhile, a member of PKBH of UMY Shandy Herlian Firmansyah, S.H. told that the PKBH of UMY will be the post for two days. “As required by Komnas HAM, PKBH of UMY will receive complaints and provide consultation for community dealing with human right issues in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta,” said Shandy.

Additionally, for further information of the human right complaints, Komnas HAM can be reached on +62-21-3925230, ext. 126, or accessed at www.komnasham.go.id.