During a meeting with protesters who called for the House of Representatives (DPR) to pass the Indigenous Peoples Bill, Johan noted that modern community life is deeply rooted in indigenous customs.
“If indigenous people thrive, our livelihoods will improve. We will be better able to protect forests and address climate change effectively,” Johan stated outside the parliament complex in Jakarta on Friday.
He pledged to push for the bill's inclusion in the 2024-2029 National Legislation Program to expedite its ratification.
According to Johan, the Indigenous Peoples Bill reflects the spirit of agrarian reform in Indonesia. He believes that once the bill is passed, the agrarian reform program will function more effectively.
“This bill is a collective representation of all indigenous customs in Indonesia,” he affirmed.
In a previous session, the DPR decided to include the Asset Confiscation Bill, the Indigenous Peoples Bill, and the Protection of Domestic Workers (PPRT) Bill in the 2024-2029 National Legislation Program.
Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Lestari Moerdijat, emphasized on August 9 that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples should serve as a moment for legislators to urgently pass the Indigenous Peoples Bill.
Moerdijat stressed the importance of passing the bill to ensure that indigenous communities in Indonesia receive comprehensive protection and have their rights upheld.
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Translator: Bagus R, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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