Komnas HAM to lobby for protection of religious freedom

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) plans to meet the new National Police chief, Comr. Gen. Tito Karnavian, to highlight the importance of safeguarding the freedom of religion in Indonesia.

"I'm happy to know that the next police chief has stated his commitment to make human rights principles an important part of his agenda," Komnas HAM Chairperson M. Imdadun Rahmat told the Jakarta Post.

"We will invite him to our office to discuss matters pertaining to religion and the freedom of faith," Imdadun said.

In an earlier statement, Tito said if he was appointed as the new police chief, he would uphold human rights principles, especially in handling terrorism.

The House of Representatives officially appointed Tito as the National Police chief during a plenary meeting on 27 June 2016.

Imdadun said he expected Tito to influence all police officers to have a deep understanding on human rights principles.

"A clear understanding could pave the way for the police to be a supporter of human rights," he said.

Date: 4 July 2016

Source: Jakarta Post