Ministry of Law and Human Rights Holds Dialogue in Bali to Prevent Vigilantism

The Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights (KemenHAM), through its Special Assistant for Digital Transformation and Media Communication, Thomas Harming Suwarta, along with teams from the Directorate General of Services and Human Rights Compliance (Ditjen PDK HAM) and the KemenHAM Bali Working Area Office, conducted field visits to Batunya Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, and Sidatapa Village, Buleleng Regency. These visits were a follow-up to a case of alleged vigilantism that resulted in the death of a resident of Sidatapa Village in the Batunya Village area. During the events on Friday (31/7), the KemenHAM team engaged in dialogue with relevant parties, village governments, community leaders, and residents to encourage resolutions based on respect for human rights (HAM). In Tabanan, the team met with the Baturiti District Head and the Secretary of Batunya Village. In Buleleng, the team met with the victim's family and village officials. Special Assistant to the Minister of Law and Human Rights, Thomas Harming Suwarta, stated that the primary focus of the visit was to provide understanding regarding the principles of human rights, especially respect for the right to life, peaceful conflict resolution, law enforcement, and the importance of avoiding vigilante actions. "We also invite all elements of society to prioritize dialogue, maintain brotherhood, and strengthen humanitarian values in resolving every issue," said Thomas in a written statement on Saturday (1/8/2026). Thomas expressed hope that through these activities, both parties could further understand the importance of respecting human rights, so that similar incidents do not recur in the future. KemenHAM continues to encourage conflict prevention efforts, strengthen HAM education, and build synergy with local governments and communities in creating a safe, peaceful, and just life. Thomas urged that understanding of human rights needs to be disseminated more massively among the public. KemenHAM also encourages village governments in both locations to build cooperation in developing HAM awareness. "The Ministry of Law and Human Rights invites all people to make this event a shared learning experience, that every difference or dispute must be resolved through legal mechanisms and dialogue, not with violence," explained Thomas. Thomas emphasized that respecting human dignity is the main foundation in maintaining unity and harmony in community life. Previously, the KemenHAM Bali Working Area team had also coordinated with the Social Services Office (Dinsos) of Buleleng Regency regarding the fulfillment of the victim's family's rights on Tuesday (28/7). This was followed on Thursday (30/7) by coordination between the KemenHAM Bali Working Area team and Ditjen PDK HAM with investigators from the Tabanan Police to ensure that the suspects' rights were also fulfilled during the legal process.