Indonesia Registers 28.2 Million Hectares of Indigenous Territories from 2010 to 2024

Kasmita Widodo, the head of the Ancestral Domain Registration Agency (BRWA), has revealed that Indonesia has registered a total of 28.2 million hectares of indigenous territories between 2010 and 2024. This significant milestone comes as civil society advocates, representing more than 2,000 customary communities across the archipelago, continue to push for the passage of an Indigenous rights bill.

The Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), the country's largest advocacy group for Indigenous rights, has been at the forefront of the campaign for the bill since 2012. The organization has recently filed a lawsuit targeting a significant advancement in the bill before the current administration of President Joko Widodo leaves office in October 2024.

The draft bill, if passed, could ease the recognition of customary territory and protect Indigenous cultures that have long been marginalized. However, the bill has remained in deadlock for more than a decade, despite the tireless efforts of Indigenous rights advocates.

Why this matters: The recognition and protection of Indigenous rights in Indonesia have far-reaching implications for the country's social, cultural, and environmental landscape. The passage of the Indigenous rights bill would not only safeguard the ancestral lands of customary communities but also contribute to the preservation of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and biodiversity.

As Indonesia prepares for a new presidential term, with Prabowo Subianto set to take office in February 2024, the issue of Indigenous rights is expected to remain a critical challenge. Advocates hope that the incoming administration will prioritize the passage of the bill and address the long-standing struggles of Indigenous communities across the country.

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia has registered 28.2M hectares of indigenous territories since 2010.
• AMAN, the largest advocacy group, continues to push for an indigenous rights bill.
• The bill could ease recognition of customary lands and protect indigenous cultures.
• Indigenous rights impact Indonesia's social, cultural, and environmental landscape.
• The incoming administration is expected to prioritize the indigenous rights bill.