Lawmaker Pushes for Indigenous Peoples Bill Approval by 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Lombok - The House of Representatives has resumed discussions on the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU), which seeks to strengthen recognition, protection, and legal certainty for indigenous communities. The regulation is expected to provide a legal basis for their existence across regions and align customary law with the national legal system.

Deputy Speaker of the House’s Legislative Body (Baleg), Martin Manurung, underscored the importance of harmonizing customary and positive laws in Indonesia, noting that longstanding mechanisms often serve as solutions to social problems faced by indigenous communities.

“But I believe customary law must adapt to current developments to remain relevant and fulfill our sense of justice. In some areas, hitting livestock can lead to compensation several times higher,” Martin said during a House visit with local administrations and stakeholders in West Nusa Tenggara on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as quoted on the Parliament website.

He explained that the drafting of the bill focuses not only on identifying problems faced by indigenous communities but also on gathering field experience and best practices from various regions in managing relations between indigenous communities, the government, and applicable law.

“Therefore, I believe these field experiences and practices are important as a basis for formulating legal norms that can be widely applied and accepted by all parties. If the problems are addressed, at least we have learned a lot from them,” he said.

Martin stressed that input from the regions is crucial in enriching the substance of the draft law. Baleg reiterated its commitment to completing deliberations on the Indigenous Peoples Bill and aims to pass it before the end of 2026.

He acknowledged that discussions have been ongoing for some time but expressed confidence that intensive communication between the government, the House, and civil society groups will accelerate consensus.

He also noted that the draft regulation's title has been changed from “Indigenous Law Communities Bill” to “Indigenous Peoples Bill.” The adjustment was made because the term “indigenous peoples” is considered broader and more representative of Indonesia’s diverse communities. ***