Vice Presidential Candidate Mahfud MD Promises To Fight For Ulayat And Customary Rights

The candidate for vice president (cawapres) number 3 Mahfud MD promised to fight for the Law on Indigenous Laws in order to provide legal protection against customary and customary rights throughout Indonesia.

"The customary law is not written. But it is written. So it is prone to land annexation. We will immediately formulate the Law on Indigenous Laws. If God is destined, it will be a priority for the Government's National Legislation Program," Mahfud said during a visit to the Long See Tong Building, the Lie-Kwee Family Association, Jalan Niaga, Padang City, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, December 18.

During the meeting, Mahfud revealed that this was a priority because the problem of protecting against Ulayat and customs did not only occur in West Sumatra, but also in various regions in Indonesia.

"The issue of protection against customary rights and customary land. Not only in Padang, West Sumatra, but in many other areas. Taken by developers. We do not yet have government regulations regarding customary rights," he said.

Mahfud also reminded the importance of maintaining unity in various differences and not being hostile to each other.

"All beliefs in Indonesia are protected. This must be maintained. Anyone who is elected must maintain diversity and maintain harmony," he said.

A number of representatives of indigenous peoples want Mahfud to guard the protection of customary and customary rights.

In addition, the vice presidential candidate pair Ganjar Pranowo was asked to oversee the history of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, as proof that the Government respects West Sumatra. Because, they said, there is no West Sumatra, so there is no Indonesia.

"If you have been elected, don't forget West Sumatra, Mr. Mahfud," said one representative from a Chinese community leader.

Mentawai community leader, Pastor Firman Simanjuntak also conveyed a similar message, namely the protection and development of indigenous peoples.

Meanwhile, community leaders, Nahdlatul Ulama, and representatives of other groups pray for Mahfud Md to be elected as Vice President in order to oversee and maintain diversity.

Regarding the message from the residents of West Sumatra not to forget the Minang Land, Mahfud assured that he would never forget this land.

"Don't worry. West Sumatra is like a second house. I have been teaching at Andalas University for 20 years. I was also given the honor of the residents of Magek, Minangkabau. We are both fighting for the welfare of West Sumatra," he said.