Siti Noor Laila was born in Pacitan, East Java, on November 30, 1967. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (S.H.) from the Faculty of Law, Islamic University of Indonesia (UII) on November 8, 1994. She served as the Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia – Komnas HAM) of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2013–2014 period and as a Member of the Commission for the 2012–2017 term.

Awards

• 100 Figures of Lampung by Lampung Post, featured in the book 100 Prominent Figures of Lampung.
• KNPI Award in the Field of Human Rights, awarded by the Regional Executive Board (DPD) of KNPI Bandar Lampung City (2005).

Non-Formal Education & Training

• Training from LP3ES (1997)
• Training from the Center for Women’s Empowerment in Politics (2001)
• Training from CETRO (2003)
• Training from the Lampung Political Women’s Caucus (2003)
• Training from the Association of Women with Disabilities (2005)
• Training from the Women’s Organization Coordination Board (2006)
• Training from the National Commission on Human Rights / Komnas HAM (2006)

Works / Publications

• 10 Years of Struggling Alongside Women (10 Tahun Berjuang Bersama Perempuan)
• Achmad Imam Ghozali: A Compendium of Thoughts on Law, Human Rights, Democracy, Development, and Stories of Struggle (Achmad Imam Ghozali Senarai Pemikiran Hukum, HAM, Demokrasi, Pembangunan dan Kisah-kisah Pergulatan)
• Combat Boots in the Mother’s Womb (Sepatu Lars di Rahim Ibu)
• Navigating Public Participation (Meniti Partisipasi Publik)
• Voting Guide for Female Voters in the 2004 Election (Panduan Memilih bagi Pemilih Perempuan Pemilu 2004)
• Education Module for Local Female Leaders (Modul Pendidikan untuk Perempuan Pemimpin Lokal)

Professional Career

• Executive Director of the Institute for Women and Children Advocacy (Elsapa).
• Member of the Legal Counsel Team for victims of the Mesuji criminalization case.
• Member of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) RI (2012–2017).

Laila has been actively involved in several organizations specializing in the advocacy of women and children, including REMDEC SWAPRAKARSA, the DAMAR Women’s Advocacy Institute, and the Lampung Women’s Movement. In addition to these activities, she served on the legal counsel team providing defense for victims in the Mesuji criminalization case.

In early 2014, Laila held the position of Chairperson of Komnas HAM (term: March 2013 – March 2014). Subsequently, she was appointed as a Commissioner of the Sub-commission for Mediation. Throughout her tenure, she has been engaged in various activities to execute the Commission’s duties and authorities, including serving on the Steering Committee for the Global Call to End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy and Their Family Members, held at the Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel on January 27, 2014, with full support from The Nippon Foundation.

Furthermore, in following up on investigations into gross human rights violations, including the May 1998 Riots, Wasior and Wamena, Trisakti, Semanggi I and II, Enforced Disappearances, Talangsari, the “Mysterious Shootings” (Petrus), and the 1965–1966 Tragedy, as well as the monitoring and investigation into the disappearance of 13 activists (1997/1998) and the cases of 18 missing persons in Papua (2009), Komnas HAM established specialized teams in which Laila was mandated as a member.

Given her capacity and extensive network, the Plenary Session of Komnas HAM entrusted her to lead the Protection Team for Human Rights Defenders in Indonesia. This team works to strengthen Komnas HAM’s national network and organize workshops to bolster the roles of State and non-State actors in establishing protection mechanisms for Human Rights Defenders, supported by The Asia Foundation Indonesia.

On International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2014, Laila contributed significantly to the opening ceremony at the Yogyakarta State Palace and the National Workshop at the Grand Sahid Hotel, Jakarta. Her expertise also led to her involvement in other Komnas HAM task forces, including the Investigation Team for Human Rights Violations in Paniai and the Investigation Team for the Alleged Criminalization of KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) Leaders.