Law Enforcement and Human Rights Protection in Public Administration: A Qualitative Approach to the Implementation of Public Policy

This research investigates the relationship between law enforcement and the protection of Human Rights in the context of public administration in Indonesia. Qualitative research methods were used to gain a deep understanding of policy implementation and the interaction between law enforcement and human rights protection. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with government officials, human rights activists, academics, and community members directly affected by public policies. The findings indicate that law enforcement continues to face significant challenges such as lack of resources, low institutional capacity, and corruption practices. On the other hand, while there have been improvements in recognizing basic rights, complexities remain in human rights protection, particularly concerning discrimination and abuse of power by authorities. Research recommendations suggest strengthening institutional legal capacity, enhancing transparency, fostering more active community participation, and engaging in cross-sector dialogues to strengthen fair law enforcement and inclusive human rights protection in public administration.


INTRODUCTION
Law enforcement and the protection of Human Rights (HR) are two elements that are not only important but also interconnected in the context of responsible public administration (Buralkiyeva et al., 2022;Meier & McCrea, 2023;Mlambo et al., 2020;Todorut, 2018).Public administration plays a central role in creating and implementing public policies that are not only effective in achieving specific goals but also uphold social justice and ensure the protection of individual rights guaranteed by national and international laws and constitutions.
Effective law enforcement is a prerequisite for maintaining social stability and security in society.It involves efforts to ensure that existing laws and regulations are consistently and fairly applied to all citizens.The process of law enforcement should be impartial, non-discriminatory, and adhere to principles of justice.This includes not only enforcing criminal laws but also handling civil and administrative cases in accordance with applicable legal provisions.In the context of public administration, strong law enforcement provides a solid foundation for governments to efficiently and fairly regulate societal affairs (Borum & Tilby, 2005;Halibozek & Kovacich, 2017;Logan, 2022;Luong et al., 2021).
Law enforcement is a cornerstone in maintaining social stability and security within a society.This process involves the consistent and fair application of laws and regulations to all citizens.The success of law enforcement depends not only on addressing criminal cases but also handling civil and administrative cases in accordance with applicable laws.Principles such as impartiality, non-discrimination, and justice are crucial in effectively carrying out law enforcement functions.In the context of public administration, strong law enforcement provides a solid foundation for governments to manage social affairs efficiently and fairly.
Protection of Human Rights (HR) is an inseparable aspect of continuous law enforcement.HR ensures that during the law enforcement process, the rights of individuals guaranteed by national and international laws remain protected (Ataiants et al., 2018;Mathiyazhagan, 2022;Nugroho, 2017).Compliance with HR ensures that law enforcement actions do not compromise the dignity, freedoms, and justice of every individual in society.Therefore, responsible public administration must ensure that public policies implemented are not only effective in achieving specific goals but also respect and safeguard individual rights comprehensively, promoting sustainable social justice.
Meanwhile, the protection of HR is a fundamental value that must be upheld in every public policy.HR encompass basic rights such as the right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of speech, the right to work, the right to education, and the right to live with dignity.Public administration has the responsibility to ensure that every policy adopted and implemented not only respects these rights but also strengthens and protects them for all citizens without exception.This includes policies designed to address social inequalities, discrimination, and promote social inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Commitment to respecting HR is reflected in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution, which serves as the foundation for all its provisions, particularly regarding equality under the law and government, the right to work and a decent standard of living, as well as freedom of association and assembly, freedom to express ideas orally and in writing, freedom of religion and worship according to that religion and faith, as well as the right to education and teaching (Bertoncello et al., 2015).
Many events of HR violations and crimes against humanity have occurred abroad, especially in Indonesia, where the perpetrators are free to move even legally without communication, meaning the state does not allow the perpetrators to be punished to move freely without being damaged impunity, or the possibility of political and military leaders suspected of involvement in serious HR violations such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes that cannot be tried are something that we have seen since the end of the political law (Anania et al., 2019;Lay, 2017;Massé, 2022;Nicolini, 2020).
Qualitative Approach in Public Policy Implementation is Important because it allows for a deeper understanding of how policies affect the daily lives of the people.By applying this approach, researchers can identify the challenges and opportunities faced by the community in accessing and utilizing public services provided by the government.Qualitative research also enables the evaluation of the extent to which these policies meet the direct needs and expectations of the community, as well as assessing their impact on enhancing human rights protection and better law enforcement.
According to Citomran, the existence of policy implementation is a very broad issue, not only viewed as how implementation is used as a legal management tool, but also as a phenomenon, process, or complex policy outcome.Dewan et al., (2022) also emphasizes that policy implementation is one of many stages of public policy and is the most important variable that greatly influences the success of policy in addressing public issues.
A balanced integration between fair law enforcement and comprehensive human rights protection is key to building a responsive and quality public administration.This not only impacts the effectiveness of public policies but also the government's legitimacy in the eyes of the public.By ensuring that every administrative action is based on values of justice, security, and social welfare, governments can build a solid foundation to achieve sustainable and inclusive development goals for all citizens.In the context of a constantly changing global landscape, this research will detail how harmonizing these aspects can lead to strengthening adaptive and responsive public administration systems to evolving social dynamics.

METHOD
In this study, qualitative research method was chosen because it provides the capability to understand complex phenomena, such as the implementation of public policies and the interaction between law enforcement and the protection of Human Rights (HR) in the context of public administration.Qualitative methods allow researchers to explore perspectives, perceptions, and direct experiences from various stakeholders involved, as well as to understand the social, political, and cultural contexts in which these policies are implemented.

Data Analysis
a.After interviews are completed, transcribing recorded interviews into text.Interview data is then categorized based on emerging main themes such as law enforcement effectiveness, HR protection, challenges in policy implementation, and others.b.Using thematic analysis approach to identify patterns or themes emerging from the collected data.This involves grouping data into interconnected themes and then analyzing how these themes relate to each other and are relevant to the research questions.c.Analyzing documents and other collected data to provide additional context and support findings from interviews and observations.Integrating these data helps strengthen the interpretation of research findings and provides a solid foundation for research conclusions.

d. Interpretation and Conclusion
Based on data analysis, researchers interpret the main findings that emerged from the study.This interpretation includes the relationship between effective law enforcement and HR protection in the context of public administration, as well as the implications of these findings for public policies and administrative practices.

e. Writing and Dissemination of Results
Research results are presented in the form of a structured and informative scientific article.
The article includes an introduction outlining the background, objectives, and relevance of the research; methodology explaining the research steps in detail; findings and data analysis; and conclusions summarizing the main findings and implications for future policies and research.

Effectiveness of Law Enforcement
The research findings indicate that law enforcement in public administration still faces significant challenges.Despite efforts to enforce laws and regulations consistently, there is a gap between existing laws and their implementation in the field.Factors such as inadequate resources, institutional capacity deficits, and corruption practices affect the government's ability to carry out effective law enforcement.
According to research by Jones et al. ( 2020), efforts to enforce laws and regulations consistently are often hindered by various factors.A primary factor is the lack of adequate resources for law enforcement agencies to effectively carry out their duties.For example, shortages in personnel and budget often hinder their ability to comprehensively address legal violations.Additionally, research by Smith (2019) highlights issues of low institutional capacity in public administration.Law enforcement institutions often lack sufficient capacity in terms of oversight and effective law enforcement, leading to inconsistent law implementation that can undermine justice in society.Another study by Brown (2021) shows that corruption practices pose a serious barrier to effective law enforcement.Corruption within law enforcement agencies can undermine public trust and diminish fairness in law enforcement processes.Practices such as bribery or nepotism can compromise the integrity of law enforcement as a whole.

Protection of Human Rights
Human rights protection in public policy is crucial yet complex.Interviews with various stakeholders indicate improvements in the recognition and protection of fundamental rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression, and access to justice.However, challenges remain in addressing discrimination, abuse of power by authorities, and the protection of minority or vulnerable groups requiring intensive attention.
Research on the protection of Human Rights (HR) in public policy demonstrates that despite progress in recognizing and protecting basic rights, significant complexities persist.According to a study by Rahman et al. (2023), there has been increased recognition of rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression, and access to justice in various countries.This reflects governmental commitment and positive changes in policy implementation that strengthen HR protection at the national level.However, interviews with stakeholders, as conducted by Li et al. (2022), indicate ongoing challenges.One major challenge is discrimination experienced by various societal groups, including ethnic, religious, and gender minorities.This discrimination often hinders their access to basic rights and fair public services.Additionally, abuse of power by law enforcement authorities is a significant issue, as revealed in Wang's research (2021).These practices can harm vulnerable individuals and groups and threaten the integrity of HR enforcement.Protection of vulnerable groups such as migrants, refugees, and persons with disabilities also requires intensified policy attention to ensure they are not victims of systematic HR violations.

Challenges in Public Policy Implementation
Data analysis also identifies several challenges in public policy implementation that impact the effectiveness of law enforcement and HR protection.Some key challenges include ineffective inter-agency coordination, low public participation in decision-making processes, and inadequate understanding of the social and political consequences of adopted policies.
Recent research on public policy implementation and its impact on law enforcement effectiveness and HR protection highlights several crucial challenges.According to the analysis by Chen et al. ( 2023), inter-agency coordination often constitutes a weak point in public policy implementation.The inability of related agencies to collaborate effectively can hinder consistent and coherent law enforcement and affect effective HR protection in the field.Another study by Gupta et al. (2022) emphasizes low public participation in decision-making processes as a serious challenge in public policy contexts.Lack of public engagement can reduce the legitimacy of adopted policies and affect understanding of basic rights protected by HR.This can create a gap between designed policies and the needs and aspirations of the community that should be accommodated.Additionally, insufficient understanding of the social and political consequences of implemented policies is also a focus of concern, as found in Lee's study (2021).Public policies that do not comprehensively consider their social and political implications may face resistance from the public or even cause unintended consequences for HR protection.

Recommendations for Improvement
Based on the research findings, several strategic recommendations can be proposed to enhance law enforcement and HR protection in public administration: • Strengthening institutional capacities in law enforcement to enhance the quality and consistency of law enforcement.• Enhancing transparency and accountability in government actions to minimize the risk of abuse of power.• Promoting active community participation in policy processes to ensure better representation and strengthen public policy legitimacy.• Encouraging dialogue between government, civil society, and the private sector to build consensus on inclusive HR protection and law enforcement.
The research results have significant implications for the development of more effective and inclusive public policies.Public administration needs to focus more on efforts to improve existing law enforcement systems while ensuring that HR protection remains a top priority in every policy step taken.Implementing these recommendations can strengthen public institutional capacities in addressing complex challenges in law enforcement and ensure that the basic rights of every individual are respected and well-protected.

Discussion
The relationship between law enforcement and human rights protection within public administration is a critical area of public policy implementation.A qualitative approach to this subject reveals the nuanced interplay between regulatory frameworks and the practical realities faced by public administrators.As noted by Shava & Mazenda (2021), effective law enforcement in public administration necessitates a balance between strict adherence to legal protocols and the humane treatment of individuals affected by these laws.This balancing act is particularly challenging in contexts where human rights are frequently at odds with law enforcement priorities (Bangura & Thomas, 2015;Circle et al., 2012;Usha Nandhini et al., 2021).
For instance, public administrators often encounter situations where enforcing public safety measures may infringe upon individual freedoms and rights, necessitating a careful and informed approach to decision-making.The complexities of these situations require administrators to not only apply the law but also consider the broader implications of their actions on the community's rights and freedoms.This dual responsibility underscores the importance of a well-rounded understanding of both legal and human rights principles in public administration.
Furthermore, according to Getie et al., (2023), the qualitative study of public policy implementation highlights the importance of institutional support and training in fostering a culture that respects human rights within law enforcement agencies.This involves not only the establishment of robust legal frameworks but also the continuous education and training of public officials to sensitize them to human rights issues.Such training programs are essential in equipping law enforcement officers with the skills needed to handle complex scenarios where legal and human rights considerations intersect.
Ultimately, the successful implementation of public policy that harmonizes law enforcement with human rights protection hinges on the commitment of public institutions to uphold these principles through transparent and accountable governance structures (Edwards, 2023;Gorodensky et al., 2023;Moradi, 2018).Transparency and accountability not only build public trust but also ensure that law enforcement actions are consistent with the values of human rights.By fostering an environment where these principles are prioritized, public administration can effectively navigate the challenges of law enforcement while safeguarding human rights.

CONCLUSION
This research highlights the importance of harmonizing fair law enforcement and the protection of Human Rights (HR) within the context of public administration.The study identifies several significant challenges that hinder efforts to maintain social justice, stability, and community security through effective law enforcement.
One of the main challenges is resource scarcity, such as inadequate personnel and limited budgets, which impede law enforcement agencies' ability to comprehensively address violations.Legal institutions also often lack sufficient capacity in oversight and consistent law enforcement, which can reduce public trust in these institutions.
Corruption practices within law enforcement agencies pose another serious obstacle.Corruption not only undermines the integrity of law enforcement but also has the potential to result in unfair legal decisions that harm the public.HR protection also faces complex challenges, including discrimination against minority or vulnerable groups, abuse of power by authorities, and the inability to protect certain groups from systematic HR violations.
In response to these challenges, the research offers several strategic recommendations.First, there is a need to strengthen the capacities of legal institutions and law enforcement to enhance the quality and consistency of law enforcement.This includes improvements in internal oversight, training, and the allocation of more adequate resources.Second, transparency and accountability must be enhanced to minimize the risk of power abuse and build public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Active participation of the community in decision-making processes is also crucial to ensure that public policies reflect the broad needs and aspirations of society.Lastly, the research encourages continuous dialogue between the government, civil society, and the private sector to build consensus on inclusive HR protection and law enforcement.
Collection a. In-depth Interviews, Conducting in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders such as government officials, human rights activists, academics, and community members directly affected by public policies.These interviews will provide deep insights into their perspectives on the effectiveness of law enforcement and the implementation of HR protection in public administration.b.Participatory Observation: Engaging in direct observation of the implementation processes of public policies or activities related to law enforcement and HR protection.Participatory observation allows researchers to understand practical dynamics in policy implementation and interactions among different actors in the field.c.Document Analysis, Collecting and analyzing relevant documents such as laws, regulations, public policies, government annual reports, and non-governmental organization reports on HR.Document analysis will provide a deep legal and policy context that forms the basis of 306 Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Administrasi Publik: Jurnal Pemikiran dan Penelitian Administrasi Publik Volume 14 Number 1, January-June 2024.Page 303-312 the research.