"This year, East Kalimantan has two MHAs, and next year, we target 13 more MHAs to be recognized by the provincial authority," East Kalimantan DPMPD's Empowerment, Institution, and Community Social and Culture Division Head, Noor Fathoni, stated here, Thursday.
He noted that the two customary law communities recognized by the authority are Mului Community in Muara Komam Sub-district and Paring Sumpit Community in Muara Samu Sub-district, both in Paser District.
Meanwhile, the customary law communities expected to be recognized by the provincial authority in 2023 comprise the Kutai Adat Lawas Community in Kutai Kartanegara District; Rangnan and Lusan communities in Paser District; and Long Bentuk, Tebangan Lembak, Karangan Dalam, and Cluster Wehea communities in East Kutai District, the official noted.
"The Cluster Wehea Community is one of the most interesting ones because it consists of six villages of Dea Beq, Diaq Lay, Jak Luay, Long Wehea, NehasLiah Bing, and Bea Nehas," Fathoni said.
Moreover, Sembuan, Hemaq Beniung, Ujoh Halang, Benuaq Telimuk, and Benuaq Madjaun communities in West Kutai District as well as the Long Isun Community in Mahakam Ulu District -- which borders the Malaysian state of Sarawak -- are also expected to be recognized by East Kalimantan next year, he stated.
The official said that recognition of the customary law communities reaffirmed the government's commitment to respecting the customary community and protecting them from discrimination.
"The protection extended to MHAs is the East Kalimantan Provincial authority's commitment to ensuring their rights to grow and develop, participate in (development) according to their dignity, and be free from discrimination," he remarked.
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Translator: M Ghofar, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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