Indigenous land rights under pressure in IndonesiaCEFR A1
26 Jan 2026
Adapted from Arpan Rachman, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Vagamood Sundaze, Unsplash
- COP30 highlighted Indigenous people as forest guardians globally.
- Many communities in Indonesia face growing political pressure.
- State projects can threaten their land and rights.
- Projects include energy and large dams across regions.
- Indigenous lands have been taken across many regions.
- People face criminalization and sometimes physical violence too.
- The government pledged to recognise some forests officially.
- Organizations call for real involvement and fair solutions.
- Communities want fair laws and protection now too.
- Many people hope for action and real change.
Difficult words
- indigenous — People who belong to the first local communities
- guardian — Person or group who protects somethingguardians
- criminalization — When people are treated as criminals
- threaten — To put someone or something in danger
- recognise — To officially accept or give legal status
- dam — A wall that holds back waterdams
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Are forests important to you?
- Do you think laws should protect communities?
- Have you seen a forest near your home?
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