House Prepares Indigenous People's Bill to Protect Customary Land and Rights

RRI.CO.ID, Jayapura - Indonesia's Bill on Indigenous People's is expected to provide a legal basis that can ensure the protection of indigenous peoples' rights, including in the resolution of agrarian conflicts and the recognition of customary territories. A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Sturman Panjaitan, said this while leading a visit to Jayapura, Papua, on Friday, August 7, 2026.

According to him, one of the most common problems faced by indigenous communities is conflict related to customary land, forest areas, and investments entering customary areas.

"That's why in drafting this law, we've endeavored to accommodate the various issues faced by indigenous communities. Going forward, the agrarian and forestry sectors, as well as Ministry of Home Affairs, must support each other to resolve regional conflicts. When investors enter, indigenous communities must not be disadvantaged. They must be empowered," he said, as quoted from dpr.go.id.

Sturman, of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), emphasized that the main objective of drafting the bill was not merely to provide legal recognition. He said the other objective is also to bring prosperity to indigenous communities.

"The ultimate goal of drafting this law is to improve the welfare and empower indigenous communities," he said.

Similarly, another House member, I Ketut Kariyasa Adnyana, assessed that the drafting of the bill is critical in restoring indigenous communities' position as an integral part of Indonesian identity. He argued that indigenous communities existed long before the nation's formation, and therefore their rights deserve stronger recognition and protection through legislation.

"Our focus is on how to restore the rights of indigenous peoples as part of the nation's character. Indigenous peoples existed before this nation was founded, so their existence must be respected and protected," he said.

Adnyana highlighted various problems still faced by indigenous communities, ranging from the lack of certainty regarding the protection of customary rights to the impacts of investments that often trigger conflicts in customary areas. He said indigenous communities still lack certainty over their rights, including when investments enter their territories.

"Therefore, the state must be present to provide legal certainty and protection so that indigenous communities are not disadvantaged," he said.

Ketut added that strengthening indigenous communities is also an effort to maintain the nation's identity, which stems from cultural and traditional diversity. He cited the experience of Bali as an example, demonstrating that strong customary institutions can maintain social harmony while preserving culture.

"We have no further reason to delay the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Bill. Differing views on indigenous peoples and customary law communities can be discussed in the legislative process, but the most important thing is how this law provides legal certainty, rights protection, and welfare for indigenous peoples," he stressed.