Ambiguities in the Implementation of Human Rights Protection for Sunda Wiwitan Adherents: A Critical Review

Abstract

Amid various social and legal challenges, critical philosophical perspectives offer valuable tools for analysis and resolution. Such perspectives may also be applied to the situation experienced by adherents of Sunda Wiwitan in Kuningan Regency, West Java. This study focuses on the following research question: How can the critical views of selected philosophers be utilized to address the ambiguity in the implementation of human rights protection for Sunda Wiwitan adherents in Kuningan Regency following Constitutional Court Decision No. 97/PUU-XIV/2016?This research employs critical thinking approaches derived from Paul Ricoeur, G. W. F. Hegel, Jeremy Bentham, and Charles Taylor. In social, national, and state life, the interpretation of laws and regulations, international conventions, and social phenomena must consider the interests of all stakeholders without excluding minority groups. Such interpretation should be directed toward achieving the common good and a better shared life. State administrative officials, in performing their respective functions, should be guided by integrity and authenticity. Through integrity and authenticity, state officials are not easily swayed by currents that promote attitudes inconsistent with the Constitution. In this way, the fundamental rights of all citizens can be effectively protected.