DPR's Baleg Pledges to Prioritise Indigenous Peoples Bill

JAKARTA - The House of Representatives’ Legislative Body (Baleg) has pledged to prioritise the Indigenous Peoples Bill for completion during this session. Baleg Chairman Bob Hasan stated that the primary focus of the bill is no longer merely the legal recognition of customary law, but rather the strengthening of traditional rights and the dignity of indigenous peoples as citizens. “Indigenous peoples are also a priority for us. But the context is no longer about the realm of customary law, because customary law has already been adopted into positive law,” said Bob when met at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (13/5/2026). “Of course, we must first build their dignity, condition, dignity, equality, yes, equality of rights, related to the meaning, because indigenous peoples are the same as the general Indonesian people,” he added. “This concern is what we must address. Thus, this law must answer that. That Indonesian citizens are indigenous citizens who apply to their customs,” he explained. To ensure the principle of meaningful public participation, Baleg plans a series of working visits to various regions during this session. The activity is intended to directly absorb aspirations from indigenous communities in the field, so that the resulting regulations address the real needs of indigenous legal communities throughout Indonesia. “We can come, or they can come to us. Well, we will visit the regions,” he said.