PRIME NEWS POST
JAKARTA — The Indonesian Customary Council (MAI) has declared its full support for efforts to accelerate the enactment of the Draft Law on Indigenous Communities, which is currently included in the National Legislation Program and expected to be passed within the 2026–2027 period.
This support was conveyed by M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso during a Communication Forum hosted by the Indonesian Customary Council (MAI), attended by kings, sultans, datuk, queens, and various customary leaders and figures from across the Indonesian archipelago.
In his statement, M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso emphasized that the presence of the Draft Law on Indigenous Communities represents a critical step in strengthening state recognition of indigenous communities as living entities that have existed, grown, and upheld national values since long before the establishment of the modern state.
“The Indonesian Customary Council (MAI) fully supports the Regional Representative Council of Indonesia’s initiative to accelerate the enactment of the Draft Law on Indigenous Communities. This regulation is expected to serve as a legal foundation that grants recognition, protection, respect, and certainty regarding the rights of indigenous communities throughout the archipelago,” said M. Rafik.
According to him, indigenous communities are not merely a part of the nation’s history, but living elements that continue to safeguard identity, local wisdom, social harmony, and the balanced relationship between people, nature, and cultural values.
The MAI Communication Forum also views that strengthening the position of indigenous communities through national legislation constitutes a strategic measure to reinforce national unity, clarify protections over customary territories, and facilitate the resolution of various longstanding issues related to legal certainty and the recognition of customary institutions.
The Indonesian Customary Council (MAI) expressed hope that all stakeholders including the government and legislative bodies will continue to foster broad dialogue with indigenous communities and institutions throughout the process of refining and ultimately enacting the bill.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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