Maximum Protection for Indonesian Citizens

The government (state) is obliged to provide maximum protection to every Indonesian citizen in any situation, both in and outside the country.

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO

TNI troops from the Bravo 90 Unit after the departure ceremony for the Indonesian Nationals (WNI) evacuation team to Sudan from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Monday (24/5/2023). A total of 827 Indonesian citizens will be evacuated from Sudan, North Africa.

The government's assertion of its obligation to protect all citizens wherever they may be is stated in Law No. 12/2006 on the citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia. This is one of the specific principles called “maximum protection”.

The protection of Indonesian citizens wherever they are is also affirmed in the 1945 Constitution, especially in areas or countries that are experiencing conflicts. Article 28A states: “Every person has the right to live and the right to defend their life and existence”. In addition, Article 28D, paragraph 1 states: “Every person has the right to recognition, guarantees, protection, and legal certainty that is fair, as well as equal treatment before the law”. The state also provides guarantees for the safety of its citizens as stated in Article 28I, paragraph (4) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the protection, promotion, enforcement, and fulfillment of human rights is the responsibility of the state, especially the government.