On 25 May 2026, the Business and Human Rights Law & Policy (BHRLP) Journal, in collaboration with the B&HR Access to Justice Lab at Macquarie University and the Airlangga Center for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), successfully hosted an international webinar entitled \u201cHuman Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in ASEAN: Mandatory or Voluntary?\u201d The event brought together academics, researchers, students, civil society representatives, and business and human rights practitioners to discuss the future of HRDD implementation in Indonesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The webinar explored the growing global trend toward mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence frameworks and examined their relevance for ASEAN. Discussions focused on whether ASEAN countries should move beyond voluntary corporate commitments and adopt a more comprehensive regulatory approach to ensure respect for human rights throughout business operations and supply chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first speaker, Dr. David Birchall from the B&HR Access to Justice Lab at Macquarie University, presented on \u201cAccess to Remedy and the Future of Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence: Global Lessons for Indonesia.\u201d His presentation examined the evolution of Human Rights Due Diligence under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the increasing adoption of mandatory HRDD legislation in jurisdictions such as France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Birchall highlighted that while the UNGPs have played a transformative role in establishing global expectations for corporate responsibility, their voluntary nature has prompted many states to pursue binding legal frameworks. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring access to remedy for individuals and communities affected by business-related human rights abuses, noting that effective HRDD should go beyond procedural compliance and contribute to meaningful accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing a regional perspective, Dr. Phattharaphong Phil Saengkrai from Thammasat University discussed Thailand\u2019s ongoing efforts to develop legislation on responsible business conduct. His presentation, \u201cAct on Promotion of Responsible Business Conduct: A Proposed Draft,\u201d outlined Thailand\u2019s proposed Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence framework, which seeks to impose due diligence obligations on large enterprises while incorporating a phased implementation process.
Dr. Saengkrai explained that the proposed legislation reflects broader developments across Southeast Asia, where governments are increasingly considering stronger regulatory approaches to corporate human rights responsibilities. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of balancing accountability with practical implementation challenges, particularly regarding small and medium-sized enterprises and supply chain governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final presentation was delivered by Dr. Indriaswati Dyah S., who examined Indonesia\u2019s experience with Business and Human Rights initiatives through her presentation entitled \u201cHRDD Adoption in Indonesia: From Voluntary Commitment to Mandatory Approach?\u201d She traced the development of the Business and Human Rights framework in Indonesia from early civil society advocacy efforts to the adoption of Presidential Regulation No. 60 of 2023 on the National Strategy on Business and Human Rights.
Dr. Indriaswati highlighted the significant role played by market-based initiatives, such as sustainability certification schemes and voluntary standards, in promoting HRDD practices. However, she also identified persistent challenges, including institutional coordination, enforcement capacity, and the need for stronger incentives to encourage meaningful corporate compliance. She suggested that a complementary approach combining state-based regulation and voluntary market mechanisms may offer a more effective pathway for Indonesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discussion session that followed reflected strong interest from participants regarding Indonesia\u2019s readiness to adopt mandatory HRDD legislation, the institutional requirements for effective implementation, and the implications of emerging international regulations such as the European Union\u2019s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Participants also explored the potential role of ASEAN institutions in responding to evolving global expectations regarding responsible business conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A key theme emerging from the webinar was that the debate is no longer whether human rights due diligence is relevant for businesses, but rather how it should be implemented in a manner that is effective, enforceable, and responsive to local realities. While mandatory HRDD frameworks may strengthen corporate accountability and access to remedy, speakers emphasized that successful implementation requires institutional capacity, stakeholder engagement, and careful consideration of the economic and regulatory context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The webinar concluded with a shared recognition that Indonesia has made significant progress in integrating Business and Human Rights principles into policy discussions. Nevertheless, important questions remain regarding the future direction of HRDD regulation and the balance between voluntary commitments and mandatory obligations. Through continued dialogue among government, business, civil society, and academia, Indonesia has an opportunity to shape a Business and Human Rights framework that aligns with international standards while addressing domestic priorities and challenges.
The event forms part of the organizers\u2019 ongoing efforts to promote informed discussion and research on Business and Human Rights issues in Indonesia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On 25 May 2026, the Business and Human Rights Law & Policy (BHRLP) Journal, in collaboration with the B&HR Access to Justice Lab at Macquarie University and the Airlangga Center for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), successfully hosted an international webinar entitled \u201cHuman Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in ASEAN: Mandatory or Voluntary?\u201d The event brought […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":501,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n