JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indigenous Peoples Bill, which has been pending for 14 years, has once again become a focal point for activists and advocates, as it is now included in Indonesia’s 2025 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas).

The bill aims to recognize and protect the rights of Indigenous communities, many of whom have faced long-standing injustices and marginalization.

Kasmita Widodo, the head of the Indigenous Peoples’ Area Registration Agency (BRWA), expressed that the inclusion of the bill in the Prolegnas should be a turning point for the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) to show its commitment to supporting Indigenous peoples. He called on lawmakers to take concrete steps and prioritize the bill’s passage in 2025.

Widodo emphasized that passing the Indigenous Peoples Bill is crucial for demonstrating real governmental support for the country’s Indigenous communities. He stressed that this moment provides an opportunity for the DPR to deliver on promises to address the longstanding issues faced by these communities.

Rukka Sombolinggi, Secretary-General of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), also weighed in, stressing that passing the bill was not just a legislative responsibility, but a moral imperative. She pointed out that it is the government’s obligation to stop the discrimination and injustices that Indigenous communities have suffered for decades.

She highlighted the significant role of Indigenous peoples as stewards of biodiversity, often standing at the forefront of struggles against land conflicts, criminalization, and the climate crisis.

She called on the DPR to take immediate and decisive action to protect these communities, ensuring their rights, human dignity, and sustainability.

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