UGM cooperates with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two, Friday (3/6), at UGM Main Building. The MoU is a guide for both institutions in coordination and cooperation to promote and uphold human rights through “Tridharma” motto of Higher Education.
"UGM is a center of excellence that has actively made contribution since the beginning of the independence of Indonesia. Therefore, I hope that UGM can be proactive in providing ideas about the follow up to this MoU," said Deputy Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Ansori Sinungan.
He said that the current public awareness on human rights issues is constantly increasing. Within a year, the Commission could receive around 6,000 complaints from residents. Therefore, the Commission needs to establish cooperation with various institutions, including UGM. It is necessary to support the role of the Commission and, at the same time, contribute to the enforcement of human rights in Indonesia. The required contributions is particularly related to the four main functions of the National Human Rights Commission, which are the function of education, counseling, assessment, and mediation.
"The function of education and counseling should be a priority in this cooperation. In addition, the assessment is a priority because of the range of studies that we do is very broad from matters related to the ethical issue to gross human rights violations," he said.
One issue that is currently a major concern of the Commission, he said, is related to the rights of persons with disabilities who are often marginalized. Therefore, he requested that UGM can give some input on this matter, for example related to the building design that can accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.
In the same occasion, the Secretary of the UGM Directorate of Partnership, Alumni and International Affairs, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., welcomed the cooperation established between UGM with Komnas HAM. He also said that this cooperation will encourage comprehensive studies involving various disciplines.
"As a populist university, UGM is committed to be the answer to the needs of the community, including marginalized communities. In the studies that we did, we tried to show this spirit," he said.
Related to the fields that are proposed to be the main priority in the cooperation, Danang said that these are consistent with the objectives of the three responsibilities of Higher Education which are mandated to UGM. Danang hopes that UGM can contribute to the enforcement of human rights in Indonesia, and the Commission can provide the knowledge related to the human rights issues to UGM students.
"Students need this knowledge, one of source is the National Human Rights Commission. We are very grateful when commissioners of Komnas HAM willing to attend and give a public lecture here," he added.