The constitutional promise of indigenous peoples' bill
In practice, recognition that should represent the state’s respect for communities that have existed for generations can instead become an administrative mechanism determining whether a community is worthy of recognition.
On August 9, the world honors the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, a reminder that development should not erase the identity, territories, cultures, or ways of life of indigenous communities. This year, the focus is on Indonesia, which has included the draft Law on Indigenous Peoples in its 2026 Priority National Legislation Program.
Indonesia is home to an estimated 60 million indigenous people who protect the archipelago's ecosystems and biodiversity. However, their customary territories and institutions have not been fully recognized by the state, leading to dispossession cases affecting 3.8 million hectares of land in 2025 alone. These dispossession cases are linked to mining, forestry, monoculture plantations, energy projects, infrastructure, and other development activities.
The United Nations recognizes that indigenous peoples, numbering over 476 million in 90 countries, are vital guardians of biodiversity and traditional knowledge. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples outlines their rights to lands, territories, resources, and participation in decision-making that affects these rights. Despite these legal protections, Indonesia's indigenous communities face ongoing challenges in securing their rights and maintaining their cultural heritage.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
