The  state  has  recognized  the  rights  of   indigenous  peoples  to  natural resources in various laws and regulations. However, this is difficult to implement because the expression of  recognition in the 1945 Constitution is weak. There is also a strong desire to recognize and maintain the existence and rights of  indigenous peoples. Yet, the idea of  conditional recognition is difficult for indigenous peoples to fulfill. The state or government must play an active role in making it happen. This kind of  recognition does not have to be requested by indigenous  peoples,  but  the  state  or  government  must  be  involved  in  protecting  their  lives. 

Efforts  to  realize  the  rights  of   indigenous  peoples to natural resources must adhere to fundamental principles. The form of  recognition of  indigenous peoples’ rights to natural resources  must  be  stated  in  separate  legal  regulations  that  guarantee  the existence, clarity of  territory and access to natural resources for the  customary  rights  of   indigenous  peoples.  Regional  regulations  provide “confirmation” in the form of recognition. Confirmation is simply a type of declarative assertion; the absence of confirmation has nothing to do with the existence or rights of  indigenous peoples. The consistency of  regulations in the form of  universally applicable laws  and  regulations  is  considered  to  be  poor  because  they  are  not  always relevant in locations where indigenous peoples do not exist or have left.

Even in Indigenous-populated areas, the situation is changing. It is hoped that this solution can be implemented in Indonesian territory  so  that  the  right  solution  is  obtained  and  does  not  corner  indigenous communities who are often marginalized and disadvantaged in these disputes.

Author: Soelistyowati
Read the full article here: https://jlj.unja.ac.id/index.php/home/article/view/347/74
DOI: 10.22437/jlj.7.1.149-167