DPR's Baleg Accelerates Discussion of Indigenous Peoples Bill After Gathering Input in Bali
The House of Representatives Legislative Body (Baleg) will accelerate the discussion of the Indigenous Legal Communities Bill. Baleg states that Bali is the region most ready to implement customary law in Indonesia.
The Chair of the Baleg DPR RI Delegation Team, Ahmad Iman Sukri, also gathered aspirations regarding the drafting of the Indigenous Legal Communities Bill at the Bali Governor’s Office on Thursday (7/5/2026). Iman Sukri explained that the bill provides recognition, protection, and empowerment for indigenous communities throughout Indonesia.
“We will expedite the Indigenous Peoples Bill. We have been waiting almost 20 years for this draft, and it still hasn’t been completed,” said Iman Sukri at the Wiswa Sabha Jaya Utama, Bali Governor’s Office, on Thursday (7/5/2026).
Iman Sukri acknowledged that several concerns have arisen that strengthening indigenous communities would hinder the investment climate in those areas. According to him, this is precisely why a legal umbrella at the level of an act is needed so that indigenous communities can be involved in various aspects of development in their regions.
“That’s why it needs to be clarified: here they are protected, respected, and empowered,” added Iman Sukri.
Iman Sukri stated that the discussion of the Indigenous Legal Communities Bill has been ongoing for nearly two decades. He hopes that the bill can soon be enacted into law. According to him, Bali serves as an example of how customary law can be applied.
“That’s why when talking about indigenous legal communities, Bali is the most ready,” he said.
Baleg DPR RI member from Bali, I Nyoman Parta, emphasised that the bill regulates all indigenous villages in Indonesia. According to him, the state is obliged to provide due recognition and respect to indigenous villages in Indonesia as mandated by the constitution.
“Bali is one of the regions that is strongest in preserving the existence of indigenous communities through indigenous villages or pakraman villages,” said Parta.
“This bill is made to honour and dignify indigenous communities throughout Indonesia,” he added.
On the other hand, Parta assessed that indigenous communities play an important role in development. According to him, indigenous communities actually have systems of knowledge and local wisdom in efforts to conserve and preserve the environment.
“If we talk about climate change and conservation, the ones most loyal in guarding the forests are indigenous communities,” said the PDIP politician.
Parta also emphasised that every investment entering an indigenous village must respect and involve the existence of the indigenous community. This aims to minimise potential conflicts between investors and the relevant indigenous communities.
“If indigenous communities are involved well, conflicts can actually be avoided and investment costs can be lower,” said Parta.
On that occasion, Baleg DPR RI gathered input from local government, academics, to representatives of indigenous communities in Bali. The Baleg DPR RI working visit was also attended by Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
In addition to Bali, Baleg DPR RI will also gather aspirations from North Sumatra, West Sumatra, to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This is done to enrich and strengthen the substance of the bill based on the characteristics of each indigenous village throughout Indonesia.