Substance of the Draft Law on Indigenous Peoples

The Legislative Body (Badan Legislasi – “Baleg”) of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia – “DPR RI”) is set to establish a working committee (Panitia Kerja – “Panja”) to finalize the Draft Law (“RUU”) on Indigenous Peoples (Masyarakat Hukum Adat – “MHA”). The Panja will be formed after the parliamentary recess.

“We are currently working on the Indigenous Peoples RUU. I will establish the working committee so that it can be completed promptly,” said the Chairman of Baleg DPR RI, Bob Hasan, to Hukumonline.

The RUU regulates a number of substantive matters, including the recognition, protection, rights and obligations, and empowerment of MHA, as well as information systems and the duties and authorities of the central and regional governments. Other regulated aspects include customary institutions, funding, community participation, and dispute resolution mechanisms—whether such mechanisms will adopt state law or utilize dispute resolution mechanisms that safeguard MHA.