Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Territories in Indonesia

On December 17, 2025, a major victory for Indigenous Peoples’ rights was achieved in Indonesia’s North Lombok Regency: The official recognition of 12 Indigenous territories across the regency’s five districts. Signed by Regent Najmul Akhyar, the decree acknowledges 51,158 hectares of Indigenous lands, formally documenting them in government records and affirming state protection of communities’ customary laws and governance systems. Funded by RRI’s Strategic Response Mechanism (SRM), the recognition followed the acceptance of a new participatory map led by AMAN Paer Daya with community members and civil society support. For Indigenous communities, the decree brings legal certainty and legitimacy; for policymakers, it establishes a formal foundation and precedent for future decisions related to Indigenous Peoples in Indonesia.