Ministry Pushes Local Wisdom Regulation to Ensure Inclusive Conservation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government is drafting new regulations to protect local wisdom in managing natural resources and the environment. This effort is being carried out through the Roadmap for the Protection and Advancement of Local Wisdom in Biodiversity Conservation.

Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control at the Ministry of Environment, Rasio Ridho Sani, said various initiatives have been undertaken by the government and NGOs, but they need to be coordinated within a single cross-sectoral framework.

He stressed that stronger regulations are crucial to ensure community-based conservation practices receive legal protection and broader recognition. “Biodiversity is a natural asset vital for ecosystem sustainability and community well-being. Indigenous peoples and local communities need support, recognition, protection, and equitable benefits for their contributions,” Rasio said in Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

The roadmap is part of the implementation of the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP) 2025–2045, specifically target 17 and the Work Program for Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Executive Coordinator of the Working Group on Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) Indonesia, Cindy Julianty, emphasized that the document must be developed inclusively.

“This roadmap is a collaborative space between the government, indigenous communities, academics, civil society organizations, and development partners. It should serve not only as a policy guide but also as a driver of concrete actions to strengthen local wisdom in Indonesia,” Cindy said.

The forum also marked the start of drafting the roadmap, including forming a drafting team and strengthening cross-sector collaboration to support inclusive biodiversity conservation.

An academic from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yance Arizona, highlighted the importance of streamlining recognition processes for indigenous communities and local wisdom to facilitate implementation across regions. “Documentation of local wisdom by local administrations and communities can provide a strong foundation. The goal is to accelerate recognition and protection through more effective policies,” he said.

To date, more than 192 indigenous peoples and local communities have documented their conservation practices, covering about one million hectares.

The WGII analysis shows Indonesia has potential community-managed conservation areas (ICCAs) of more than 29 million hectares. This potential could support national conservation targets while ensuring respect for indigenous peoples’ rights. (Misni Parjiati)