Indigenous land rights under pressure in IndonesiaCEFR B1
26 Jan 2026
Adapted from Arpan Rachman, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Vagamood Sundaze, Unsplash
Indigenous peoples were highlighted at COP30 in Belém as forest guardians, yet in Indonesia many communities face competing pressure from state-backed climate and development projects. Large projects named by Indigenous groups include the geothermal plant in Poco Leok, the bioenergy project in Merauke, dam construction in North Kalimantan and the Lambo Reservoir in Nagekeo. The government pledged to recognize 1.4 million hectares of customary forest as part of its deforestation reduction plans and has received maps for customary territories.
Indonesia is home to an estimated 50 to 70 million Indigenous people across more than 2,000 groups, with 2,161 recognized Indigenous communities. Most live on Borneo, followed by Sulawesi and Sumatra. AMAN said the government maps cover 33.6 million hectares, with more than half in forest areas.
AMAN reported worsening in 2025: it recorded 135 cases of customary land being taken, the loss of 3.8 million hectares from 109 Indigenous communities, and 162 communities experiencing criminalization and violence. AMAN warned that promises like the 1.4 million hectares must include real Indigenous involvement and solutions to land disputes.
Difficult words
- indigenous — Original peoples of a country or region
- customary — Based on long local rules or tradition
- deforestation — The loss or removal of large forest areas
- pledge — To make an official promise or commitmentpledged
- criminalization — Treating people or actions as criminal under law
- territory — An area of land controlled by a person or groupterritories
- recognize — To accept something officially as true or valid
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What actions could the government take to include Indigenous people in decisions about their land?
- Do you think recognizing 1.4 million hectares is enough to protect Indigenous territories? Why or why not?
- How might large projects like dams, geothermal plants, or bioenergy affect Indigenous communities' daily lives?
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