InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Awakening Day (Hari Kebangkitan Masyarakat Adat Nusantara/HKMAN) on March 17 once again serves as a crucial moment to consolidate the struggle of Indigenous communities across Indonesia. Beyond ceremonial observance, the event reinforces a pressing demand for the government to immediately pass the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU Masyarakat Adat).
Customary leader of Kesatuan Sesepuh Cisitu, Lebak, Banten Kidul, Abah Yoyo Yohenda, emphasized that HKMAN functions as both a unifying platform and a communication channel among Indigenous communities nationwide.
“Since its commemoration began on March 17, 1999, HKMAN has become a space to define a collective stance toward the government regarding the implementation of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, not only in statutory law but also within the constitution,” he stated in an official release reported by InfoSAWIT, Monday (23/3/2026).
Historical Momentum and Movement Consolidation
HKMAN is rooted in the long history of Indigenous struggles against marginalization. Since the first Indigenous Peoples Congress (KMAN I) in 1999, March 17 has symbolized political awareness, solidarity, and movement consolidation.
Abah Yoyo added that this momentum also strengthens national commitment to recognizing Indigenous Peoples, as reflected in Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights and Law No. 5/2017 on Cultural Advancement.
However, such recognition is deemed insufficient without concrete legal protection.
Indigenous Peoples Bill as an Urgent Need
Indigenous woman from Tana Bu Wolo One, Ende, Wilhelmina Seni, stressed that HKMAN must serve as an annual reminder to continue fighting for justice and livelihood rights.
She noted that delays in deliberating the bill directly affect community survival, particularly for women and children, as well as ecosystem sustainability.
“This bill is crucial as it provides a legal umbrella to protect Indigenous Peoples from discrimination, violence, and natural resource dispossession,” she asserted.
Wilhelmina also warned that Indigenous struggles stem from long-standing experiences of rights violations, including what she described as a form of “new colonialism.”
Criticism of Development Ignoring Indigenous Territories
Echoing this concern, Acting Head of AMAN Toraya, Romba’ Marannu Sombolinggi, highlighted that HKMAN is not merely a celebration but a moment of reflection on national development direction.
He pointed out that many development projects continue to marginalize Indigenous territories.
“Development must not eliminate the rights of Indigenous Peoples who have safeguarded their lands for generations,” he said.
He added that the absence of strong legal protection has left Indigenous communities vulnerable to criminalization and policy uncertainty.
National Call: Pass the Bill Now
Through HKMAN 2026, Indigenous communities across Indonesia, including Perempuan AMAN, firmly called for the immediate passage of the Indigenous Peoples Bill.
They urged the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Legislative Body (Baleg DPR RI) to prioritize the bill this year.
“We call for the immediate enactment of the Indigenous Peoples Law. This is a constitutional mandate and a real manifestation of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” Abah Yoyo concluded.
The call reflects strong expectations for the state to move beyond symbolic recognition and provide tangible legal protection to ensure the sustainability of Indigenous livelihoods, cultures, and territories. (T2)
