Bappenas Reaffirms Human Rights as the Core Foundation of National Development at Human Rights Meeting

The Deputy Minister for National Development Planning/Deputy Head of Bappenas, Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, reaffirmed that human rights are fundamental rights inherent to every individual from birth and constitute the foundation of social, national, and state life. 

“When we talk about human rights, we are in fact talking about the most fundamental aspects of our lives, human values that are inherent from birth. This is what makes human rights not merely a matter of regulation, but a reflection of who we are as a nation, what we uphold, and the direction of development we wish to pursue,” said Deputy Minister Febrian at the Human Rights Development Planning Consultation (Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan Hak Asasi Manusia/Musrenbang HAM), which was opened by the Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, in Jakarta on Monday (8 December).

Deputy Minister Febrian added that the future can only be planned if the nation is honest in assessing current conditions. Based on the Fundamental Rights factor of the Rule of Law Index 2025, Indonesia ranks 93rd out of 143 countries. This ranking indicates that concrete efforts are still needed to address the various challenges in advancing human rights development. 

“There are areas we must improve together within systems, culture, and governance. Moreover, the 12 unresolved cases of gross human rights violations serve as a reminder that just and fair resolution is an essential part of our national reconciliation. Without justice, there is no trust. Without trust, it is difficult to build an inclusive future,” stressed Deputy Minister Febrian.

The Human Rights Musrenbang serves as a strategic forum to align steps and ensure that development is truly people-centred. From this forum, it is expected that clear thinking on human rights issues will emerge, planning documents will be strengthened, and commitments from all stakeholders will be consolidated. 

The 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) places human rights as the first National Priority. “This is not an administrative decision. It is a moral statement that Indonesia’s development must stand on a foundation of respect for humanity. Human rights are the roots of economic, social, cultural, environmental, and even digital transformation policies that we will advance together,” concluded Deputy Minister Febrian.