Indigenous advocates in Indonesia are expressing deep disappointment as President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, prepares to leave office after a decade marked by unfulfilled promises regarding Indigenous rights. Despite initial hopes for reform, advocacy groups highlight a series of policy failures that have marginalized Indigenous communities and exacerbated land conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Jokowi failed to pass the Indigenous rights bill, leaving communities vulnerable to land grabs.
- Pro-investor policies prioritized corporate interests over Indigenous rights.
- Activists fear the new administration under Prabowo Subianto will continue these harmful practices.
A Promising Start
When Jokowi assumed the presidency in 2014, he was hailed as a transformative leader committed to environmental stewardship and the rights of marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples. His campaign promises included the passage of an Indigenous rights bill aimed at providing legal recognition and protection for Indigenous communities.
Jokowi’s early engagement with Indigenous representatives led to their endorsement in the 2014 election, marking a significant moment in Indonesian politics. However, this initial optimism quickly faded as his administration failed to deliver on key commitments.
Unfulfilled Promises
Despite having a supermajority in parliament, Jokowi’s government did not pass the Indigenous rights bill, which has remained stagnant for over a decade. Advocacy group AMAN noted that by 2019, they had withdrawn their support for Jokowi due to his failure to establish a promised task force on Indigenous issues.
During his second term, Jokowi’s policies increasingly favored economic development at the expense of Indigenous rights. Notable actions included:
- Relocation of the Capital: The move to East Kalimantan raised concerns about displacement without consent from Indigenous communities.
- Forced Land Acquisitions: Corporate development projects led to numerous land conflicts.
- Social Forestry Program: Intended to empower Indigenous communities, it was criticized for undermining true land ownership.
- Weakening of Indigenous Rights: New laws and policies sidelined Indigenous claims to land and resources.
The Impact of Policies
Under Jokowi, AMAN reported 687 land conflicts affecting 11 million hectares of Indigenous lands, with many community members facing criminal charges for defending their rights. The recognition of Indigenous territories remained minimal, with only 16% of ancestral lands officially recognized.
Activists criticized Jokowi for co-opting Indigenous identities while failing to protect their rights. His administration’s focus on infrastructure and resource extraction projects often disregarded the voices of Indigenous peoples, leading to further marginalization.
Concerns for the Future
As Jokowi’s presidency comes to an end, Indigenous advocates are apprehensive about the incoming administration of Prabowo Subianto. With close ties to Jokowi and a commitment to continue his policies, there are fears that Indigenous rights will continue to be overlooked.
Activists have called for immediate action from Prabowo, urging him to prioritize the passage of the Indigenous rights bill and to halt land-grabbing practices. They emphasize the need for Indigenous representation in decision-making processes and legal protections for those advocating for their rights.
A Call for Change
The future of Indigenous rights in Indonesia hangs in the balance as the new administration takes shape. Advocates stress that protecting Indigenous peoples is crucial not only for their survival but also for the preservation of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. They argue that Indigenous communities play a vital role in environmental stewardship, and their rights must be recognized to ensure a sustainable future for all.
In conclusion, the decade under Jokowi has been marked by significant failures in addressing Indigenous rights, leaving communities vulnerable and marginalized. As the nation moves forward, the hope remains that the new leadership will heed the calls for justice and change.
Sources
- Indigenous advocates lament decade of failures by Indonesia’s Jokowi, Mongabay – Conservation News.
