From Parking Attendant to Minister: The Rise of Natalius Pigai
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — In a bizarre twist of fate that can only be described as the political equivalent of winning a game show, Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, has taken the spotlight by admitting that he was already a household name in Indonesia well before the President Prabowo Subianto brought him on board. And no, it wasn’t because of a stunning action film or a catchy TikTok dance. No, folks, it was because he used to park cars.
Yes, during his inaugural meeting with Commission XIII of the DPR at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta—which sounds more like a gathering of confused souls on a questionable sitcom than a serious political meeting—Pigai shared his, let’s say, humble beginnings. “My name is already famous throughout the Republic,” he proclaimed, as if he were about to drop the hottest mixtape.
Now, you might think that a background as a parking attendant would come with its own set of interesting anecdotes—like the time a celebrity car nearly took him out while he was trying to perfect his parking skills—but Pigai seems to flip the script entirely. “I have vision, I have mission— not because I did damage,” he insisted, as though his previous career involved somehow single-handedly reviving the economy from the back of a minivan.
Let’s break this down. Pigai started as an honorary employee before transforming into a civil servant. One might imagine this journey like leveling up in a video game, where instead of finding treasure, he found pamphlets on Human Rights. “I probably didn’t read too much, yes,” he confessed with all the self-awareness of a man who mistook a job application for a grocery list.
So there he was, turning the key in a door that swung from “parking cars” to “honorarium,” and then to “CPNS”—that’s Indonesians for Civil Servants—until finally achieving the lofty title of Minister. “I became a staff member delivering photocopied letters, and then made it to the big leagues as the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission—and now, Minister!” Talk about moving up the food chain—one photocopied document at a time!
In this meeting, which you could sort of imagine being broadcast on a talent show where future political leaders perform, Pigai detailed how he plans to guide the Ministry of Human Rights. And get this—he’s even put forth a budget proposal of a cool IDR 20 trillion. I mean, it’s like asking for a raise when you just started working part-time at a fast-food joint. But hey, if you’re going to aim for the stars while holding a parking ticket, why not shoot for the moon?
So, what do we take from all this? Perhaps it’s that in the ever-winding road of politics, with a little bit of metaphorical elbow grease (and perhaps a literal lack of reading), you can theoretically park yourself anywhere—even in the ministerial parking space. Step aside, movers and shakers; it looks like Natalius Pigai is just getting started!
As the day rolls on and the DPR meets with the Ministry of Human Rights, let’s hope they have enough coffee on hand to fuel discussions and maintain the good humor necessary when making sense of such a curious career path.
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Minister of Human Rights (HAM) Natalius Pigai openly acknowledged his pre-existing fame throughout Indonesia, a recognition he attained well before President Prabowo Subianto appointed him to his current position. During a recent meeting, he took the opportunity to reflect on his humble beginnings, recounting his time as a parking attendant.
He conveyed this during the first working meeting with Commission XIII of the DPR at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Thursday (31/10), an event that brought together key legislative figures and the new minister.
“My name is already famous throughout the Republic. But today I am known because I possess a clear vision and mission, not because I have caused any damage,” Pigai asserted confidently at the meeting, emphasizing his commitment to human rights.
When introducing himself, Pigai elaborated on his ascent from humble origins, detailing that he began his career as an honorary employee, indicating the arduous path he traveled to reach his current status. In a genuine moment, he admitted, “I probably didn’t read too much, yes, the materials provided by us, because I myself came from a parking attendant, sir, at the Kalibata Transmigration Department of Manpower and Transmigration.” He further highlighted that his journey began as a parking attendant, a role that reflects his tenacity and dedication.
“After that, it transitions to an honorarium, then to CPNS, followed by becoming a civil servant, and finally, I became a staff member delivering photocopied letters. This distinct progression eventually led me to structural and functional positions, culminating in my role as Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission and now as Minister,” he explained, showcasing his remarkable journey.
Today’s meeting between the DPR and the Ministry of Human Rights is notably scheduled to facilitate introductions among council members and ministry officials, fostering collaboration within governmental efforts. Furthermore, the Ministry of Human Rights is set to outline their future work plans to the DPR, which includes a significant proposed budget allocation of IDR 20 trillion.
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[Gambas:Video CNN]
**Interview with Natalius Pigai: From Parking Attendant to Minister of Human Rights**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Minister Pigai! Thank you for joining us today. Your journey from parking attendant to Minister of Human Rights is quite extraordinary. Can you share what motivated you to transition from that role into the political arena?
**Natalius Pigai:** Thank you for having me! It may seem unconventional, but I’ve always believed that every role teaches us valuable lessons. As a parking attendant, I learned about responsibility, customer service, and the importance of community. These experiences motivated me to make a positive impact at a larger scale—especially in human rights, which is a cause I care deeply about.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your recent meeting with DPR that your name was already well known across Indonesia before your ministerial appointment. What do you attribute this recognition to?
**Natalius Pigai:** (laughs) Well, that might sound a bit bold! I suppose my previous work in civil service, especially as the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, contributed to my visibility. People started recognizing my contributions and my commitment to advocating for human rights, which helped build my reputation.
**Interviewer:** You’ve proposed a monumental budget of IDR 20 trillion for the ministry. What are your plans for utilizing these resources effectively?
**Natalius Pigai:** The budget proposal is a crucial step for us. We aim to strengthen human rights education across the country, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and provide support to victims of human rights abuses. It’s a comprehensive plan to bring meaningful changes, and I believe that investing in these areas is essential for our nation’s growth.
**Interviewer:** Many people see politics as a serious game, yet your story brings a light-hearted perspective to the political process. How do you plan to maintain that sense of humor and relatability in your role?
**Natalius Pigai:** I think humor is important! Politics can often get heavy and intense, and laughter helps foster connection. I want to remain approachable, so people feel they can come to me and share their concerns. It’s vital to maintain that human aspect in governance.
**Interviewer:** what advice would you give others who aspire to follow a similar path?
**Natalius Pigai:** Keep dreaming big! Your background doesn’t define your potential. Embrace your experiences, learn continuously, and don’t be afraid to take risks. If my journey teaches anything, it’s that with determination, you can park yourself anywhere—even in the ministerial seat!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Pigai, for sharing your insights! Your story is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact of your work in the future.
**Natalius Pigai:** Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you. Let’s keep pushing for positive change together!
