"We talked about how to synchronize regulations in order to resolve issues related to customary lands belonging to traditional people. To that end, we need to work in synergy," Minister Tjahjanto informed after the one-hour meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the relevant ministries and agencies need to unite by synchronizing regulations, updating and synchronizing data on the status of recognition of customary lands, and determining locations for pilot projects to put the results of the synchronization into practice.
On the same occasion, Minister AHY informed that his side has so far identified 3.2 million hectares of customary lands in 16 provinces across Indonesia. The lands are inhabited by around 3 thousand traditional folks.
The 16 provinces are Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, Central Kalimantan, West Sumatra, Papua, West Papua, North Sumatra, Central Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, South Sumatra, Jambi, West Kalimantan, Aceh, and Riau Islands.
He informed that the government conducted a survey in the 16 provinces from 2021 to 2023, adding that the survey will gradually cover other provinces.
The minister underlined that finding solutions to issues pertaining to customary lands is not an easy task as it entails the protection of the rights of the inhabitants.
"For that reason, we will continue collecting data and identifying (customary lands) while the Home Affairs Ministry is collaborating with regional governments to provide clarity of customary status by issuing regional regulations," he said.
AHY also explained that one of the objectives of the meeting was to synchronize customary land databases managed by different ministries and agencies.
"This meeting was also expected to emphasize the importance of the one map policy," he added.
The meeting was also joined by officials from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry; Environment and Forestry Ministry; Home Affairs Ministry; and Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Ministry.
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Translator: Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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