Natalius Pigai
Natalius Pigai | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Minister of Human Rights | |
| Assumed office 21 October 2024 | |
| President | Prabowo Subianto |
| Preceded by | Hasballah M. Saad |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 December 1975 |
| Party | Gerindra Party |
Natalius Pigai (born 25 December 1975) is an Indonesian politician serving as the Minister of Human Rights in President Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet since 2024.[1] From 2012 to 2017, he was a member of the National Commission on Human Rights.[2] His experience in the Transmigration Ministry started as a parking attendant and became an honorary officer in the ministry. He started his career after becoming a civil servant and held echelon positions and leadership of the National Human Rights Commission until he became Minister of Justice on 24 October 2024. During a meeting with the House of Representative in 15 September 2025, he claimed that he is a member of the Gerindra Party, albeit not as a card-carrying member.[3]
Early life
Natalius Pigai was on 25 December 1975 in Enarotali, Paniai, Irian Jaya (now Central Papua). He attended senior high school at SMA Negeri 1 Wamena and graduated in 1994.
After completing his secondary education, he continued his studies at the Yogyakarta College of Village Community Development (STPMD "APMD"), earning a Bachelor of Government Science (S.I.P.) degree in 1999.[4]
Career
Natalius Pigai's career began with his involvement in various organizations during his college days in Yogyakarta. He was active in the student movement during the 1998 Reformation struggle.[5]
Pigai began his career in government as a Special Staff to the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration from 1999 to 2004.[6] His experience in this ministry continued with his role as a Researcher for Internal and International Migration at the Department of Manpower and Transmigration from 2005 to 2012. He was elected as one of eleven members of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) for the 2012–2017 period.[7]
On October 21, 2024, Natalius Pigai was appointed Minister of Human Rights in the Red and White Cabinet.[5]
Controversies
Pigai drew public attention after he requested a budget increase for the Ministry of Human Rights from IDR 60 billion to IDR 20 trillion. This was deemed unreasonable due to the significant budget increase.[8] Yasonna Laoly, a member of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives (DPR), stated that the budget increase should be more realistic and reasonable.[9]
References
- ^ "Prabowo reveals names of ministers in "Red and White Cabinet"". Antara. 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Profile: Natalius Pigai, from human rights commissioner to minister". Antara. 21 October 2024.
- ^ "Canda Menteri Pigai di Rapat DPR: Saya Gerindra tapi Tidak Punya KTA". CNN Indonesia (in Indonesian). 15 September 2025. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ Muallifa, Rizka (1 November 2024). "Profil Natalius Pigai, Putra Papua yang Awali Karier sebagai Tukang Parkir Kini Jadi Menteri HAM RI". Liputan6 (in Indonesian). Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ a b "Natalius Pigai, Putra Papua Eks Komnas HAM Jadi Menteri HAM Prabowo". CNN Indonesia. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
- ^ Dwi, Chandra. "Dulu Aktivis, Kinerja Natalius Pigai Ditunggu Sebagai Menteri HAM". CNBC Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ "Natalius Pigai". KemenHAM RI (in Indonesian). Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ "Heboh Pernyataan Menteri HAM yang Usul Anggaran Kementriannya Ditambah Jadi Rp20 Triliun". suaramerdeka.com. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ^ "Natalius Pigai Minta Anggaran Rp 20 Triliun, Yasonna Laoly Minta Realistis". tempo.co. Retrieved 10 November 2024.