More than 30 university students from across the nation are taking a short course on human rights in Jakarta to promote awareness to younger people.

“Students can become active agents who can improve our society,” said Papang Hidayat, Kontras research and development head said at the opening of the short course Monday.

The course, which is supported by the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta, will be comprised of discussions, investigations, analysis and field visits with human rights violation victims.

The opening discussion, which was attended by Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Mackenzie Clugston, featured prominent figures such as Kontras coordinator Usman Hamid, former National Defense Council secretary-general Lt. Gen. Bambang Darmono, sociologist Thamrin Amal Tamagola, Tempo journalist Mardiyah Chamim and Catholic priest Franz Magnis-Suseno.

Mardiyah said the media plays a pivotal role in fostering knowledge of and perspective on human rights.

Usman addressed the problems faced by fellow human rights activists, such as a lack of protection. He said protecting human rights activists was important in fostering the principles of human rights in
Indonesia.

“I don’t suggest that it is only we who deserve to be called human rights activists. Other professionals such as teachers, medical practitioners and law enforcement officers also deserve to be called human right advocates,” he said.

In 2009, Kontras had received 80 reports of violence directed at activists across the nation, Usman said.

Papang said that Kontras would continue monitor the student progress after the short course and assist them in initiating programs related to human rights.

“We hope they will develop their own networks in the future so that the human rights movement can reach more people at the end of the day,” he said.

Are De Peskim, a participant from Cendana University, East Nusa Tenggara, said he has shared a great passion for human rights issues. He expected that through the course he could build networks and improve the knowledge of human rights at home.

“I want to go home with a new perspective. I want to be the one who can enhance the quality of
life in my neighborhood so people can live more decent life, which, in my perspective, is also one of the ways to celebrate human rights,” he said.

Another participant, Heri Shietra of Tarumanegara University’s School of Law in Jakarta, said he has a personal intention to become a lawyer who focuses on issues surrounding human rights.

Dubbed the school of human rights, or Sehama, the course will run until Aug. 2.