Indigenous People's Bill Should be Made As They Exists Before Independence: House

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Iman Sukri, emphasized that the Bill on Indigenous Peoples is needed to strengthen the recognition and protection of indigenous peoples across Indonesia. He stated that indigenous communities have existed long before Indonesia was founded, and therefore, their existence and rights require a stronger legal basis.

Iman said that the bill drafting is critical to ensure that indigenous peoples are no longer marginalized in national development. Instead, they must be positioned as a vital component and key actors in development, he said.

"This (Bill on Indigenous Peoples) is important and a historical milestone for all of us because what we want to regulate is the protection and recognition of indigenous communities in Indonesia, including those in Papua," he said during a meeting on the bill in Sorong, Southwest Papua, as quoted from the House's website on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

According to him, these regulations need to be accompanied by an affirmative approach for indigenous communities. This includes recognizing indigenous rights, including rights to customary land, as well as efforts to empower and improve economic welfare.

"We want indigenous peoples to be not marginalized groups, but to become key actors in national development. Therefore, the approach must be affirmative action, with more concrete support for recognizing their rights, including customary or communal land. Ultimately, this empowerment and improvement of the economy and well-being of indigenous peoples is crucial," he said.

Furthermore, Iman emphasized that the bill will apply nationally while still taking into account the diverse characteristics of indigenous communities in each region. He believes these differences are Indonesia's rich heritage and must be accommodated in regulations without diminishing the identity and uniqueness of each indigenous community.

"Because this is a law, it naturally applies to all indigenous communities in Indonesia, including those in Papua. The substance of the law is how to provide protection and recognition for their existence. The diversity of indigenous communities in Indonesia is precisely Indonesia's uniqueness, and we must regulate and protect it," he said.

He added that the aspirations of indigenous communities are generally related to the need for empowerment, development, and economic improvement. Therefore, the bill is expected to provide legal certainty and strengthen the position of indigenous communities in addressing various issues at the regional level.

"When this Indigenous Peoples Bill is passed, it will be a milestone. The Constitution already recognizes indigenous peoples, but there are still issues with its implementation at the district level. With this law, the position of indigenous peoples will be strengthened, and their rights will be better protected," he said.