Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai Sued in Jakarta PTUN Over Job Transfer
Jakarta – Ernie Nurheyanti M. Toelle, an employee of the Ministry of Human Rights (HAM), has filed a lawsuit against Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai at the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN). The lawsuit stems from a decision to transfer Ernie from her position as Secretary of the Directorate General of Human Rights Services and Compliance (Echelon IIA) to a functional role as an Associate Expert Human Rights Analyst.
The transfer was formalized in Minister of Human Rights Decree Number MHA-14 KP.04.04, issued on January 23, 2026. Ernie is represented in this legal action by attorneys Deby Astuti Fangidae and Mordentika Sagala.
Allegations of Procedural Violations
According to a written statement released by Ernie’s legal team on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the decree violated administrative procedures and was issued without a transparent and objective decision-making process. “This Decree has violated administrative procedures and was issued without going through a transparent and objective decision-making mechanism,” the attorneys stated.
The lawsuit raises two primary concerns regarding the legality of the decree. First, the legal team disputes the Minister’s stated reason for the transfer – that Ernie had not adequately absorbed the allocated budget. They present data showing a budget absorption rate of 99.56% within the Secretariat General of Human Rights Services and Compliance, exceeding the overall absorption rate of 92.88% for the Directorate General.
Secondly, the attorneys argue that the decision-making process failed to consider Ernie’s performance record, which includes a “Good” rating in her Employee Performance Evaluation. They emphasize her 31 years of service within the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and one year within the Ministry of Human Rights, asserting that the transfer disregards her established career and contributions.
Concerns Over Transparency and Communication
The lawsuit further alleges a lack of transparency in the performance evaluation process leading up to the transfer. The notification of the appointment was reportedly delivered via WhatsApp less than 24 hours before it took effect. The legal team contends that this disregard for official correspondence protocols demonstrates arbitrariness and a lack of respect for bureaucratic ethics.
Ernie reportedly filed three written objections to the decree, but claims that Minister Pigai did not provide a written response. This lack of response, according to the attorneys, suggests an attempt to conceal legal deficiencies and a lack of transparency in the transfer process. They characterize the transfer not as a simple reassignment, but as a disguised demotion that harms the employee’s career.
Seeking Legal Remedy
“Our client regrets the actions of the Minister of Human Rights which are not in line with human rights principles, especially the right to transparent information,” the attorneys stated. “This action similarly undermines the government’s efforts to implement a merit system where career guarantees should be based on achievements, not objective assessments.”
The legal team has requested that the PTUN declare the decree legally invalid. Ernie confirmed the lawsuit to CNNIndonesia.com, stating that the next hearing is scheduled for March 16, but will be closed to the public.
As of the time of publication, Minister Natalius Pigai has not responded to requests for comment.