Multistakeholder Discussion to Encourage the Fulfillment of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

Kemitraan, KKI WARSI, and Pundi Sumatera, together with Komnas HAM RI, organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum that brought together various stakeholders to discuss the rights of indigenous peoples.

For two days, August 20-21, 2024, this forum became an important space to listen to the voices of indigenous peoples. As well as a place to exchange ideas between communities, governments, academics, and civil society organizations.

“Orang Rimba who live in the forest try to defend their customary territories even though they do not have official documents or letters, but they still uphold customary law. The main problem is the lack of recognition of their rights. The government has not fulfilled the rights of Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) fairly, including not providing an official recognition decree for SAD,” said Temenggung Pangelo, a member of the SAD community in Merangin.

The discussion provided input for the drafting of Standards and Norms on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which is being pursued by Komnas HAM RI. The first day of the discussion began with the presence of various indigenous communities from Jambi Province. These included Suku Anak Dalam, Talang Mamak, Batin Sembilan, and Serampas. The participation of these communities reflected the diverse challenges they face. Although each community is unique, they all share the same needs. That is, recognition of their existence and protection of their rights within a clear legal framework.

Kemitraan, KKI WARSI, and Pundi Sumatera, together with Komnas HAM RI, organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum that brought together various stakeholders to discuss the rights of indigenous peoples.

“Indigenous peoples have local knowledge that is important to protect, including distinctive livelihoods such as hunting, gathering, and collecting forest products, as well as traditional clothing that is an integral part of their identity. However, they face significant problems. Treatment at district-level health units or hospitals is often inadequate, accompanied by discrimination. In education, inequity in access to school uniforms and equipment leads to bullying among indigenous children,” said Kania Rahma Nureda who moderated the discussion.

In the second session of the first day, representatives of civil society organizations also attended. Enriching the discussion with a broader perspective on the social and political dynamics affecting the lives of indigenous people in Jambi. This collaboration showed how important a holistic approach is in addressing the issues faced by indigenous peoples.

On day two, discussions intensified with the presence of local government agencies and institutions, both from the provincial and district levels in Jambi. Their presence created an important opportunity to understand each other’s perspectives, especially in terms of policy-making and constraints faced in the field. This session became a bridge between indigenous communities and policymakers, ensuring that indigenous voices are heard in the decision-making process.
The final session of the discussion involved academics from various universities in Jambi Province, who brought a scientific and analytical dimension to the discussion. Their contributions are expected to strengthen the academic basis for the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights, so that the arguments built have a solid foundation.

During the two-day discussion, various crucial issues were revealed, one of which was the threat to customary land due to the expansion of extractive industries. Many indigenous communities are squeezed in the middle of plantations or mining areas. A situation that threatens not only their traditional territory but also their lifestyle and cultural identity.

The high level of conflict faced by indigenous peoples was also highlighted. The participants hoped that KOMNAS HAM could be more active in fighting for the rights of those in the midst of these conflicts. Showing the urgency of the role of national human rights institutions in conflict resolution and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights.

On the other hand, some communities shared stories of their success in fighting for access to education for their children. From establishing primary schools to earning university degrees, these stories illustrate the resilience and creativity of indigenous peoples in the face of challenges. Another achievement highlighted was administrative recognition. Where some communities managed to obtain identity cards and other legal documents, which opened up their access to various public services.

Another important idea was the need to include the protection of indigenous peoples as human rights defenders in the standards and norms being developed. This recognition will not only give more legitimacy to their role, but also strengthen their position in the face of various forms of intimidation or criminalization.

The discussion forum in Jambi was a crucial moment where various perspectives converged to form a more comprehensive understanding of the issue of indigenous peoples. The presence of Komnas HAM RI ensures that the standards and norms to be drafted truly reflect the reality on the ground and the needs of all parties.

The participants hoped that the standards and norms produced would not just be administrative documents. Rather, it is a compass that will direct the policies and actions of various stakeholders in addressing complex issues related to indigenous peoples’ rights.

On the other hand, some communities shared stories of their success in fighting for access to education for their children. From establishing primary schools to earning university degrees, these stories illustrate the resilience and creativity of indigenous peoples in the face of challenges. Another achievement highlighted was administrative recognition. Where some communities managed to obtain identity cards and other legal documents, which opened up their access to various public services.
Another important idea was the need to include the protection of indigenous peoples as human rights defenders in the standards and norms being developed. While these standards and norms will inevitably face challenges in accommodating the diversity of contexts and needs, this forum is an important step in ensuring that every nuance and complexity is accommodated. Ultimately, building bridges through these standards and norms is not just about recognizing and protecting the legacy of the past. But also paving the way to a more equitable and sustainable future.

“In our opinion, Indigenous Peoples are the main guardians of Pancasila. If we lose the Supreme Court, then one of the important foundations of Pancasila could also be lost. Based on this, we think it is important to come up with a regulation that can assist the Supreme Court, while waiting for the Law on Supreme Court that has been discussed in the House of Representatives for the last 15 years,” said Saurlin P. Siagian, Commissioner of Komnas HAM RI.

With clear guidelines and recognition of indigenous peoples as human rights defenders, there is confidence that one day, forests will be preserved, traditions will be kept alive, and they will have their rightful place in the national development narrative.