Government committed to finalising designation of 1.4 million hectares of customary forests

The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the designation of 1.4 million hectares of customary forests through official Decree of Customary Forest Designation. Speaking in Jakarta, the Minister stated that these decrees are an effort to break the chain of forestry conflicts between the state and indigenous communities.

“Personally, as the Minister of Forestry, I have the commitment and readiness to accelerate the designation process for indigenous law communities,” he said. Raja Antoni emphasised that the recognition and designation of customary forests are vital steps towards achieving justice and strengthening the protection of indigenous rights.

He noted that conflicts regarding customary forest areas frequently arise due to differing perspectives on rights, area management, and law enforcement within forest territories. “Historically, conflicts have occurred everywhere between the state and the community regarding definitions, management, law enforcement, and the granting of rights,” he remarked.

The Minister added that the government will continue to provide space for dialogue to find common ground between state regulations and the local wisdom maintained by indigenous communities. “While legal regulations exist, beyond formal legality, what is essential is good communication and agreement between the Ministry of Forestry, the government, and indigenous law communities,” he said.

Minister Raja Antoni has already handed over Customary Forest Designation Decrees covering 1,175 hectares to 4,938 families. The recipients include various indigenous groups in Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province; Cempaga and Tigawasa Customary Villages in Buleleng Regency, Bali; and the Marga Sungai Pinang and Matga Batang Asai communities in Sarolangun Regency, Jambi.