Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago (AMAN) and a number of other activists criticized the action President Joko Widodo wearing traditional Bedouin clothing while reading the State Speech at the MPR Annual Session, Monday (16/8).
AMAN’s Secretary General, Rukka Sombolinggi, assessed that Jokowi in his policies was far from the Bedouin development paradigm that respects the Earth.
Rukka alluded to Nawacita, which Jokowi used to call committed to protecting and advancing the rights of indigenous peoples.
“However, until now, none of Nawacita’s promises have been fulfilled. Even the expropriation of customary lands continues to occur,” said Rukka as quoted from an official statement released on Friday. CNNIndonesia.com received, Monday (16/8).
In addition, Jokowi’s commitment to continue the legislation on the Indigenous Peoples Bill is considered to be inversely proportional to the current situation. According to Rukka, the Indigenous Peoples Bill in the DPR has not yet been ratified and the discussion is even weaker.
“In fact, what has been ratified is the Revision of the Minerba Law and the Cilaka Omnibus,” said Rukka.
The same thing was conveyed by the Chairperson of YLBHI’s Knowledge Management Division, Siti Rahma Mary.
He said that respecting indigenous peoples is not enough just to wear their traditional clothes. Meanwhile, on the other hand, the recognition of the land, territory, origin, and culture of indigenous peoples is neglected.
“The people were evicted and arrested. 88 percent of the land and natural resource conflicts that YLBHI-LBH advocated for in the last three months were in the territory of indigenous peoples,” said Rahma.
The Executive Secretary for Witness and Integrity of Creation of the Indonesian Churches Association (KKC-PGI), Pastor Jimmy Sormin said that indigenous peoples need more substantial support than simply promoting indigenous peoples’ clothing or artwork.
Instead of just promoting clothes, Jimmy urged the government to immediately ratify the long-awaited Indigenous Peoples Protection Bill.
“As a true gift of independence,” said Jimmy.
(iam/end)
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