Indigenous Communities in Indonesia and the Climate Crisis
Indigenous communities in Indonesia are facing severe challenges due to the climate crisis. They are losing their homes and livelihoods and often have little say in decisions that affect their lives. There are around 2,000 indigenous groups in Indonesia, totaling between 40 to 70 million people, according to the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN).
These communities mainly reside in remote areas, like coastlines and forests, where their rights to the land are often unrecognized. Despite their vital role in preserving biodiversity, they suffer the most from issues like rising sea levels and forest fires.
Anthropologist Imam Ardhianto from the University of Indonesia notes that indigenous people have been sidelined in climate action discussions. “They lack the power to influence policies that impact them, leading to projects that proceed without their consent,” he explains. This oversight often results in agrarian conflicts, pushing communities to abandon their homes.
A report from AMAN highlights a staggering issue: over the past decade, there have been at least 687 agrarian conflicts affecting indigenous populations. These conflicts involved more than 11 million hectares of land, nearly equivalent to the entire area of South Korea. In contrast, since 2016, Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has granted only 330,000 hectares of customary forests to a mere 80,000 indigenous households.
Climate change threatens not just land but also traditions. In Maluku, for instance, the traditional Sasi practice, which emphasizes sustainable harvesting, is at risk due to industrial projects and climate shifts. Journalist Irma Tambunan remarked, “Current climate risks create significant challenges for indigenous peoples maintaining these practices.”
Julmansyah, a director at the Forestry Ministry, acknowledged the critical role of indigenous communities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through forest stewardship. He expressed a commitment to expand recognized forest areas for these communities, with a target of granting an additional 100,000 hectares by year’s end.
However, regulatory challenges persist. Laws like the Job Creation Law limit indigenous communities’ ability to cultivate forest lands. A recent ruling by the Constitutional Court allowed indigenous groups to cultivate these areas without permits, a decision welcomed by many, but environmentalists stress that further protections are necessary. They are calling for the long-awaited indigenous peoples bill, which would provide formal recognition and better legal standing for these communities.
Mining for critical minerals, especially nickel, poses another threat. Reports indicate that nickel operations in regions like Central Sulawesi and North Maluku are damaging land, water, and local biodiversity, severely impacting indigenous ways of life and health. Communities are suffering from polluted air and water, contributing to respiratory issues among local populations.
Despite some lawmakers supporting the indigenous peoples bill, activists remain cautious about its passage. As these issues escalate, the strength and resilience of indigenous communities will be crucial in navigating the complex interplay of tradition, environment, and modernization in Indonesia.
For further insights, you can explore Climate Rights International’s report on the impacts of nickel mining and learn more about efforts to support indigenous rights.
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Environment,Indonesia,Nature,Policy Matters,Society,The Jakarta Post
