FIHRRST supported by the Ministry of Health and TIFA Foundation launched the Guidelines of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) for the Pharmaceutical Industry on 2 March 2021. The event was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Airlangga University, KUPAS-KADIN Indonesia, and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia. 

The event was opened by remarks from the Chair of FIHRRST, Bpk. Marzuki Darusman who emphasized that the HRDD guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry will prepare pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia in anticipating the global trend of mandatory human rights due diligence.

Subsequently, Bpk. Mualimin Abdi, Director General of Human Rights, Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Republic of Indonesia, Bpk. Anas Puji Istanto, Corporate Law Coordinator of Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises and Ibu Susi Rai Azizi, Vice Chair of KUPAS-KADIN delivered their remarks.

During the discussion, Bpk. H. Mohamad Subuh, Expert Staff of the Minister on Economy and Health of the Ministry of Health mentioned specific human rights risks in the pharmaceutical industry that need to be addressed through HRDD. He also suggested that HRDD for the pharmaceutical industry be formalized through legislation.

The Ministry of State-owned Enterprise representative also expressed the importance of carrying out human rights due diligence for state-owned companies in Indonesia. State-owned enterprises have to conduct HRDD in order to be sustainable. They need to be consistent in respecting human rights to be able compete globally. Eventually, those companies that respect human rights will be able to meet the consumer's expectation.

Bpk. Iman Prihandono, the Dean of Law Faculty of Airlangga University offered policy options for the business and human rights audit in the pharmaceutical industry that include requirement of HRDD for business license issuance, requirement for HRDD for government procurement process and HRDD as part of companies’ transparency and accountability in respecting human rights.

Bpk. Rahmadi Joesoef from PT Konimex also expressed his thoughts on the HRDD, plus expectations for more discussions and dialogue on respect for human rights in the pharmaceutical industry considering the lack of understanding of pharmaceutical companies on the issue. 

As the peak of the event, Bpk. Marzuki Darusman launched the Guidelines. which was followed with closing remarks from Prof. Makarim Wibisono, Co-founder of FIHRRST, who stressed the importance of conducting HRDD to protect and respect the rights of workers and communities affected by the company’s operations, plus the benefits of carrying out the HRDD for companies.

The guideline can be found here: English Version | Bahasa Version