Baleg to Expedite Indigenous Peoples Bill After Meeting with Lake Toba Community

Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Legislation Body (Baleg) Martin Manurung stated that the Lake Toba area was chosen because it still hosts many thriving indigenous communities. Martin said all inputs received would be brought to Jakarta as material for drafting the Indigenous Peoples Bill.

“Because the Lake Toba area is a region with a significant indigenous population. Therefore, we want to hear inputs from various parties, including indigenous groups, local government, and religious organisations. Representatives from HKBP and the Catholic Church also attended,” Martin said in his statement on Monday (11/5/2026).

“We listened to all inputs and will bring them to Jakarta for the drafting meeting of the Indigenous Peoples Bill,” he continued.

Martin stated that indigenous communities positively welcomed Baleg’s initiative to start drafting the Indigenous Peoples Bill. He believes the bill can be enacted soon.

“The indigenous communities greatly appreciated that Baleg has begun the drafting process. We hope this bill, which has been pending for 18 years, can be completed this year,” Martin revealed.

This NasDem legislator said one fundamental issue driving the urgency of enacting the bill is the ongoing criminalisation of indigenous peoples due to land conflicts with the government or concession-holding companies. Therefore, he believes the state must ensure recognition and protection for indigenous peoples and their rights.

“What is most important for indigenous peoples now is recognition and protection, followed by the benefits they will receive,” he stated.

Martin said the Indigenous Peoples Bill is planned to be designed simply, without overlaps. It will also clearly regulate the authority of each level of government to provide legal certainty for indigenous peoples.

“We will clearly outline the roles and functions of each. Be it district/city government, provincial government, and central government. So we will simplify the regulations,” he said.

In the meeting, Ephorus of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) Pdt Victor Tinambunan viewed the discussion of the Indigenous Peoples Bill as an important step to bring justice and protection to indigenous peoples. He said the church’s presence in the meeting was a form of concern for the fate of indigenous peoples whose rights need legal protection.

“Discussions around the Indigenous Peoples Bill are an important step to bring justice, recognition, and protection for indigenous peoples in Indonesia,” he said, based on Martin’s statement.

“May the Indigenous Peoples Act be enacted soon, so that the dignity of indigenous peoples is further respected, their rights are better protected, and the local wisdom passed down through generations remains a strength for Indonesia’s progress,” he added.

Meanwhile, representative of the Lamtoras-Sihaporas Simalungun Indigenous Community, Mangitua Ambarita, hopes the bill will truly side with indigenous peoples. He also hopes that criminalisation of indigenous peoples will no longer occur.

“We hope that this Indigenous Peoples Act will be properly implemented and truly side with indigenous peoples,” said Mangitua Ambarita.