MenHAM Submits Draft Indigenous People's Bill, Asks State to Recognize Existence

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai at the DPR building, Jakarta, Thursday (19/2/2026). ANTARA/Bagus Ahmad Rizaldi

JAKARTA - Human Rights Minister (HAM) Natalius Pigai handed over the draft of the Indigenous People's Bill (RUU) which his party had compiled as input for the DPR in future discussions, one of whose points asks the state to recognize the existence of indigenous people.

Pigai said that the existence of indigenous people must be appreciated, and their position must be properly recognized by the state. By recognizing the existence, according to him, the state can protect the threat of loss of culture, values, and customs adopted by indigenous people.

"There needs to be an explanation that summarizes the law that regulates one is the law of customary law communities, the second is traditional communities. That's what we're saying," said Pigai, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, February 19.

In addition, Pigai said the draft submitted also proposed that the law regulate the rights held by indigenous people, ranging from the right to freedom of opinion, freedom of association, organization, land rights, water rights, and various inherent rights that can be owned.

"All rights that are inherent and can be owned by indigenous people must be enshrined in the law," he said.

According to Pigai, indigenous people must be the masters in their own country and be able to make decisions. However, regarding the decision, according to him, a committee of indigenous people needs to be formed.

"Then how to resolve the conflict resolution at the level of indigenous people is resolved through the order adopted, at the central level, we propose the establishment of the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples," he said.

Pigai said that so far the state has taken over the authority to regulate indigenous people, but many indigenous people are not protected and their existence is ignored.

"Therefore, in the spirit and spirit of the Law, we agreed that their dignity was respected, so their existence was valued there," he said.