Recognition of Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples in Indonesia are struggling for recognition by the government and private companies who have a lot to gain from the exploitation of natural resources contained in Indigenous Peoples territories. Key to the recognition of Indigenous Peoples in Indonesia is a law which recognises and protects their rights.

AMAN has successfully lobbied for the inclusion of a Draft Law on the Recognition and Protection of Indigenous Peoples in the National Legislation Program (PROLEGNAS) 2010-2014. AMAN will continue to apply pressure to expedite the passing of this law in the National Legislation Programme in Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR).

Successes

AMAN has had success in gaining recognition of Indigenous Peoples including:

• MoU with the National Human Rights Commission
• MoU with Ministry of Environment (KLH)

Recognition of Indigenous Peoples in a number of sectoral laws Inappropriate development Inappropriate development is that which has not sought the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of the Indigenous Peoples.

For Indigenous Peoples, inappropriate development in Indonesia often involves environmental exploitation and includes:

• Oil palm plantations
• Pulp and paper
• Mining

Indigenous Peoples have inherited the legacy of exploitative and corrupt development policies in Indonesia which have resulted in marginalisation from policy-making processes. The politics of licencing in the exploitation of natural resources still haunt Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Sectoral laws maintain their insistence that the State is the supreme owner of the land and natural resources within its jurisdiction. Indigenous Peoples and climate change Despite contributing the least to climate change, Indigenous Peoples are the first currently facing its consequences.

The global environment is suffering from a development model based on exploitation and greed. Indigenous Peoples have used traditional knowledge to manage their environment sustainably for generations.

AMAN encourages Indigenous Peoples in Indonesia to apply their traditional knowledge in the context of climate change mitigation. AMAN also arranges information and training sessions to inform Indigenous Peoples about the threats posed by climate change and related mitigation schemes including REDD.

No rights no REDD

AMAN demands that there be no REDD under the proposed UN scheme without full recognition of the land tenure, customary and territorial rights of indigenous peoples of the archipelago.