Legislator: Passage of Indigenous Peoples Bill is a Constitutional Debt that Must Be Paid
DPR RI Commission III member I Nyoman Parta has once again voiced the urgency of passing the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU Masyarakat Adat). During a meeting with a civil society coalition at the DPR RI building, Parta stressed that this regulation is not merely an ordinary legislative agenda but a constitutional debt that must be settled immediately.
The meeting was attended by various elements, including the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), indigenous figures from various regions, representatives of indigenous women and youth, and civil society activists.
In the forum, Parta spotlighted the protracted discussion process of the bill, which has dragged on for more than 16 years. According to him, the state can no longer delay recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights.
“This is not just a legislative agenda. It is the fulfilment of the Republic’s promise that has been written in the 1945 Constitution for decades,” said Parta in a statement received on Thursday (2/4).
Parta emphasised that the existence of indigenous peoples is a crucial foundation in safeguarding Indonesia’s national identity and integrity. He reminded that before this nation was established, indigenous communities had already lived and shaped civilisations across the Archipelago.
According to him, indigenous peoples have been the ones genuinely safeguarding forests, water sources, and practising tradition-based conservation.
“Those who guard the forests and water sources, who nurture customs and traditions, are indigenous peoples. They are the guardians of our life’s balance,” he asserted.
Furthermore, he explained that indigenous peoples’ living spaces hold not only ecological value but also serve as the birthplace of culture—from arts and knowledge systems to the ways Nusantara’s people interact with nature.
Addressing concerns that passing the Indigenous Peoples Bill would impede investment and industry, Parta dismissed it as an exaggerated worry.
In his view, the absence of clear regulations so far has the potential to cause prolonged interest conflicts.
“The state must be present to regulate. Without regulation, clashes of interest will continue to occur. This bill actually provides legal certainty for all parties,” he stated.
On that occasion, Parta also highlighted the impact of the slow deliberation of the bill on the increasingly vulnerable and marginalised condition of indigenous peoples.
He noted that without strong legal protection, many indigenous communities face pressures on their living spaces, both from development expansions and land conflicts.
“The longer this bill is not passed, the more fragile the position of indigenous peoples,” said Parta.
The presence of AMAN, indigenous figures, indigenous women, indigenous youth, and the civil society coalition at the meeting demonstrates strong public pressure for the bill to be passed soon.
Parta hopes this momentum can be utilised by the DPR RI to accelerate the legislative process, while ensuring that the substance of the law addresses indigenous peoples’ needs in a fair and sustainable manner.
“Hopefully this year we can witness the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Bill. This is our collective responsibility,” he said.