Jakarta, May 28 -- A senior lawmaker said revisions to Indonesia's human rights law must not undermine the independence of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), amid concerns the proposed changes could weaken its authority.

Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives' (DPR's) Commission XIII Andreas Hugo Pareira said concerns raised by National Human Rights Commission chairwoman Anis Hidayah over potential weakening should be addressed.

"An independent human rights commission must be protected and remain free from political interference so it can perform its duties properly," Pareira said in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said the commission must remain capable of carrying out its mandate to protect rights and prevent human r...