The Hidden Costs of Infrastructure Development: A Human Rights Perspective

Abstract

The right to development, recognized as a human right for all citizens, is meant to be implemented to enhance the population’s welfare. However, welfare is not merely defined by economic development indicators; it also encompasses human-centric development, where human rights are central. Over decades, the scale and intensity of infrastructure development projects in Indonesia have been associated with significant agrarian conflicts and numerous alleged human rights violations, as reported by the National Commission on Human Rights of Indonesia. The development project has often prioritized economic growth at the expense of human rights principles and norms. This research explores the impact of Indonesia's extensive infrastructure development projects on the fundamental human rights of its citizens. The study highlights the strong correlation between the aggressive pursuit of infrastructure development and the rise in agrarian conflicts, which stem from the neglect of human rights principles and norms in the planning and execution stages of these projects. Employing a qualitative approach and descriptive analysis, the research addresses the critical question of how such development activities can infringe upon the rights of the people. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating human rights principles and norms into every phase of infrastructure development, from planning to implementation. Focusing solely on economic indicators without considering human rights can result in violations that undermine the population’s welfare. Therefore, a balanced approach that integrates human-centric development with economic growth is essential to safeguard the fundamental rights and well-being of all citizens.