Deputy Human Rights Minister Ensures State Presence in Resolving Sunda Wiwitan Issues
Kuningan (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto has ensured that the state is present to assist in resolving the issues faced by the Akur Sunda Wiwitan indigenous community, particularly regarding the recognition of their indigenous status and the fulfilment of civil rights. Speaking after attending a seminar in Kuningan, West Java, on Friday, Mugiyando stated that the Ministry of Human Rights is committed to accompanying indigenous communities in seeking solutions to various long-standing problems.
According to him, the forum serves as a strategic space by bringing together the government, legislature, civil society, and indigenous communities to discuss resolutions collectively. “We want to convey the government’s commitment, specifically that of the Ministry of Human Rights, to work together to resolve issues and meet the expectations of the Akur Sunda Wiwitan indigenous community,” he said.
He noted that the primary issue faced by the community is the lack of formal recognition of their status as an indigenous group. As a result, several basic civil rights remain unfulfilled, including marriage registration, which subsequently impacts other legal rights. “We consider this issue serious. The state is moving more swiftly to help resolve it,” he added.
He emphasised that such steps are necessary so that emerging problems can be discussed together to find concrete, applicable solutions. “The Ministry of Human Rights will ensure the state’s presence. Presence means working together to resolve issues, as this is indeed a human rights matter,” he stated.
Furthermore, he noted that the Ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and local district governments to ensure a resolution. Mugiyanto expressed hope that the various challenges faced by the Sunda Wiwitan indigenous community could begin to be unravelled before the 2027 Seren Taun commemoration. “Hopefully, by next year, these issues can be untangled and resolved,” he concluded.