Education, Dialogue, and Strengthening of Human Values Color the Commemoration of World Human Rights Day
JAKARTA – This year’s commemoration of World Human Rights Day took a more reflective and educational approach. The Ministry of Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia held a screening and review of the film “Pangku” as a space for public dialogue to deepen human values through cinema. This initiative also emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening human rights understanding, particularly regarding the issue of women’s exploitation, which is the film’s main focus.
The event was lively with the participation of Natalius Pigai, Minister of Human Rights; Reza Rahadian, director; Adhie Massardi, human rights and film observer; and Yosef S. Nggarang, Special Staff to the Minister of Human Rights for Human Rights Fulfillment. The film “Pangku” was presented not merely as a spectacle, but as a social learning medium that reveals realities rarely touched by the public.
In the review session, Yosef S. Nggarang stated that the work opens up a broader understanding of the issues of poverty, injustice, and the vulnerability of women and children.
“This film provides a new perspective for the government to strengthen human rights policies, while also encouraging the public to respect the dignity of others,” said Yosef S. Nggarang.
His review emphasized that art can be a crucial bridge in building empathy and strengthening the direction of rights-based policies.
Director Reza Rahadian also explained the creative process of the film, which was born from the social phenomenon of “Kopi Pangku” (Pangku Coffee) in the Pantura area. He saw a humanitarian dynamic that is rarely highlighted but needs to be highlighted for greater public understanding.
“I want this, ‘Pangku’ is screened, the audience sits in their seats and shares what they see and takes home feelings of their own choosing,” Reza Rahadian hoped.
According to him, the voices of working women were the main foundation of this film’s production, which he described as a form of respect for women who fight for life.
At the same time, the academic community also demonstrated a positive commitment to the meaning of World Human Rights Day. The Coordinating Chair of the Pamulang University Student Organization (Ormawa), Ahmad Muajir, emphasized that this year’s commemoration will focus on educational activities without demonstrations.
“After discussions and coordination, it was agreed that the commemoration of Human Rights Day would be more effective through educational activities on campus, and there are no plans for street demonstrations,” said Ahmad Muajir.
A series of activities will take place from December 9–11, including thematic seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and student reflection programs in collaboration with human rights figures and academics. Ahmad Muajir added that the main focus is to deepen students’ understanding of human rights through constructive dialogue.
“The commitment to human rights issues remains strong, but educational methods are deemed more relevant to the campus situation and capable of developing students’ critical awareness,” Ahmad Muajir added.
The dialogue- and literacy-based approach taken by the government and campus environment demonstrates the same spirit: strengthening humanitarian values in an inclusive manner. This year’s commemoration of Human Rights Day is not merely a ceremonial event, but a momentum to reaffirm the importance of respecting human dignity through art, knowledge, and healthy public participation.
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