Human Rights
A Stepping Stone for Business and Human Rights in Indonesia
Participants of the FGD discussing policy recommendation for the implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in Indonesia.
The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Human Rights is intensifying it’s efforts to respect and protect human rights in business sectors. In a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) held by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Indonesia and Ministry of Human Rights in Jakarta on 06th October, stakeholders discussed policy recommendation for the implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in Indonesia.
Director of Human Rights Instruments Drafting and Evaluation, Sofia Alatas, explained that many human rights violations in the business sectors are closely tide to environmental issues particularly land conflicts in mining and plantations areas. “Human Rights Due Diligence is crucial to prevent social conflicts and ensure that business operations are fair, sustainable, and respectful of everyone’s rights,” she said. Sofia emphasized the importance of implementing the environmental and climate change indicators in human rights due diligence that must be carried out by business sectors.
In 2025 the ministry in partnership with FNF will prioritize the development of a policy brief, that is designed to guide and support business in the implantation of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD).
Program Officer of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), Ganes Woro Retnani highlighted the importance of making human rights principles tangiable in business practices. She believes that economic growth must go hand in hand with respect for human dignity and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, Akmal Budiman form the Indonesian Society of Sustainability Professionals (IS2P) noted that many companies are still in the early stages of integrating HRDD. He underlined the need for clear technical guidance, capacity building, and collaboration between regulators and the private sectors, to bridge existing gaps.
The discussion concluded that Business and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) should not be treated as a formality, but as a transformative tool to build corporate accountability and sustainability.