Jakarta, 18 December 2024 — The Coalition to Safeguard the Indigenous Peoples Bill (Koalisi Kawal RUU Masyarakat Adat) urges the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to pass the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU MA) in 2025, in order to ensure the effective recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The bill has once again been listed as a legislative priority in the 2025 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), and also included in the five-year legislative agenda proposed by the DPR.

However, the bill is still listed under the outdated title “Customary Law Communities Bill” (RUU Masyarakat Hukum Adat) in the official document. The Coalition calls for the use of the term “Indigenous Peoples” (Masyarakat Adat) to reflect and encompass the constitutional nomenclature of both “Masyarakat Hukum Adat” and “Masyarakat Tradisional”. The Coalition also demands concrete progress toward the bill’s ratification.

Veni Siregar, Senior Campaigner at Kaoem Telapak, emphasized that the discussion and passage of the Indigenous Peoples Bill is a crucial moment for the DPR and the administration of President Prabowo Subianto to demonstrate their political will to stand with Indigenous Peoples.
“Recognizing and protecting Indigenous Peoples is a constitutional obligation of the state to ensure their survival and legal certainty. The DPR—especially the Legislative Body (Baleg) and the eight political party factions—must take strategic steps to build constructive dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, so the resulting legislation truly addresses their needs. Protection of Indigenous rights, especially amid ongoing violence and criminalization, must be a priority. The environmental stewardship of Indigenous Peoples must also be acknowledged,” she said.

Veni further stated that the Coalition will continue its intensive advocacy to ensure the bill is passed in 2025.

Muhammad Arman, Director of Policy, Law, and Human Rights Advocacy at the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), emphasized that passing the Indigenous Peoples Bill is both a constitutional mandate and a concrete step toward fulfilling the founding vision of Indonesia—to protect all its people and promote the welfare of all, including Indigenous communities who have long been marginalized.
“The bill would provide legal certainty and ensure equitable investment for all. It is a ‘path home’ to reaffirm our diverse national identity,” he stated.

Arman also presented AMAN’s data from the past 10 years, which recorded 687 land conflicts in Indigenous territories, covering 11.07 million hectares. These conflicts have not only dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their ancestral lands but have also resulted in the criminalization of 925 individuals—60 of whom were subjected to state violence, with one fatality.

According to Arman, many of these land grabs have occurred through large-scale projects implemented without proper consultation or consent, violating the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

The Coalition, which consists of 35 civil society organizations, underscores that this bill is a historic opportunity to address long-standing injustices. The bill is also expected to provide comprehensive legal protections, including formal recognition of Indigenous territories and forests that are central to Indigenous identity and survival.

Juandi Gultom, from the Justice and Peace Division of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), reiterated PGI’s support for the bill, stating:
“Indigenous Peoples are the original and rightful custodians of this land. Yet ironically, they are excluded by state policy.”

He added that PGI actively advocates for Indigenous rights, and its office has become a safe space for receiving complaints and requests for support from Indigenous communities.

Ermelina Singereta, Advocacy Manager at the Indigenous Peoples’ Defender Association (PPMAN), condemned the government’s continued neglect of legal protections for Indigenous Peoples—especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups striving to defend their territories.
“Many Indigenous women face an unjust legal system. They are arrested, prosecuted, and even sentenced simply for defending their identity and rights. For Indigenous women, the law is like a mirage—clearly visible, yet out of reach,” she said.

Ermelina stressed that protecting Indigenous rights is not only a matter of justice, but also vital for global biodiversity. Indigenous territories are among the last strongholds of biodiversity on Earth—estimated to host 80% of the planet’s remaining biodiversity. With knowledge passed down for generations, Indigenous Peoples have safeguarded ecosystems in ways that modern institutions often cannot replicate.

She further explained that Indigenous governance of their territories plays a major role in global efforts to conserve the environment, mitigate climate change, and protect ecosystems. In this context, Indigenous youth are emerging as vital actors in sustaining ancestral legacies. “Indigenous youth are the frontline defenders of their territories amidst increasing threats,” she emphasized.

Hero Aprila, Chairperson of the Indigenous Youth Front (BPAN), stated that the Indigenous Peoples Bill is essential for addressing challenges faced by Indigenous youth—ranging from legal and political issues to socio-cultural resilience, economic self-sufficiency, and traditional education.
“As the next generation, we, Indigenous youth, have a responsibility to ensure that our ancestral territories are sustainably managed and free from discrimination and intimidation. The absence of a dedicated law only perpetuates longstanding injustice. For us, this bill is a tangible solution to the problems we face,” said Hero.

The Coalition to Safeguard the Indigenous Peoples Bill consists of:

YLBHI, HuMa, Seknas WALHI, KPA,  KEMITRAAN, ICEL, Debt Watch, PEREMPUAN AMAN, Yayasan PUSAKA, Kaoem Telapak,  Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan, BRWA, JKPP, merDesa Institute, RMI, EPISTEMA, Greenpeace  Indonesia, Lakpesdam NU, KIARA, LOKATARU, Forest Watch Indonesia (FWI), Sawit Watch,  PPMAN, Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara (BPAN), Yayasan Jurnal Perempuan (YPJ), Forum  Masyarakat Adat Pesisir dan Pulau-pulau Kecil (Format-P), Kalyanamitra, Koalisi Perempuan  Indonesia (KPI), SATUNAMA, Protection International Indonesia, KKC Persekutuan Gereja Gereja Indonesia (PGI), Working Group ICCAs Indonesia, AMAN, Samdhana, EcoAdat. 

Media Contact:

A.P. Prayoga, Tim Kampanye Koalisi Kawal RUU Masyarakat Adat, HP. 0857 2034 6154 Veni Siregar, Senior Kampanye Kaoem Telapak, HP. 0838-9344-5587