PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN, (JAKARTA)— The Indonesian Customary Council (Majelis Adat Indonesia / MAI) fully supports the views expressed by Hidayatullah Sjah II during the Public Hearing (RDPU) of the Public Accountability Board (BAP) of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) on April 15, 2026.
The statement by the Sultan of Ternate, which firmly asserted, “Do not claim all of this as state land; I ask, how did the state acquire land in the Sultanate of Ternate in the first place?” has become a crucial point of discussion in the national agrarian policy discourse.
This was reiterated by the Secretary-General of MAI, M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso, during an MAI communication forum attended by Kings, Sultans, and customary leaders from across the archipelago.
In his view, the Sultan of Ternate emphasized that land cannot be viewed solely from the state’s administrative perspective, but must also consider historical dimensions, customary law, and local wisdom that have existed and developed long before the formation of the modern state.
Responding to this, MAI Secretary-General M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso expressed full support and high appreciation. He assessed that the Sultan’s statement represents a critical reflection essential for maintaining the balance between state authority and the rights of indigenous communities.
“The views expressed by the Sultan of Ternate are a voice of wisdom born from the long historical roots of the Archipelago. This serves as a reminder to us all that the state must not ignore the existence and legitimacy of customary law, which existed long before and became the foundation of community life,” stated Rafik during the MAI forum.
Furthermore, MAI believes that land management is a strategic issue requiring a comprehensive, inclusive, and fair approach. According to MAI, the state must formulate policies that are not only based on formal regulations but also respect customary values as part of the nation’s identity.
The communication forum, attended by Kings, Sultans, and customary leaders nationwide, also views this statement as an important momentum to strengthen the legal position of customary laws within the national framework, while encouraging constructive dialogue between the state and indigenous communities.
MAI hopes that all stakeholders can understand and address this issue wisely, in order to realize justice, social harmony, and the sustainability of indigenous communities throughout Indonesia.
@Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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