Building Human Rights Awareness at the Village Level: An Analysis of the Ministry of Human Rights Policy on the Human Rights-Aware Village Program

Abstract

The Ministry of Human Rights' policy design for the Human Rights-Aware Village Program as an instrument of human rights localization, following the establishment of the Ministry through Presidential Regulation No. 156/2024 and its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. Using a normative-juridical method within a human rights-based approach (HRBA) framework, the study finds that the program aligns with HRBA principles through village capacity building, community participation, basic services, protection of vulnerable groups, and the role of Human Rights Agents. However, effectiveness remains constrained by limited official capacity, formalism risks, sustainability issues, and contextual disparities among villages. The article recommends strengthening the program's outcome dimension through an input–process output outcome impact indicator matrix, contextual evaluation, stronger complaint mechanisms, rights-based budgeting, an integrated data system, and phased sustainability strategies. Ultimately, the program's success should be understood as a rights-based transformation of village governance alongside strengthened community capacity as rights holders.