Membangun Peradaban Bersama Rakyat

The state is here to protect the original values ​​of the Indonesian nation. The state is also present to side with the community, especially the customary law community. President Joko Widodo conveyed this determination as an acknowledgment of the rights of indigenous peoples to manage forests administratively.

“We all know that indigenous peoples have always been able to manage customary forests sustainably based on existing local wisdom. Customary law communities have always known and have been able to maintain the harmony of human life with nature. I think it’s important for all of us to remember these values ​​in modern times,” said the President at the State Palace at the Inauguration of the Recognition of Customary Forests, Friday, December 30, 2016.

Therefore, at the event, the recognition of customary forests was inaugurated to nine groups of indigenous peoples. The President emphasized that this is not the end of the government’s recognition, it is the beginning of the recognition of customary forests that will continue to be given.

“Overall, today there are nine groups of indigenous peoples that we affirm and formalize the recognition of their customary forests. With an area of ​​13,100 hectares of customary forest for approximately 5,700 families. This recognition process will continue, this is the beginning. Because there are quite a lot of our customary law communities scattered throughout Indonesia,” he said.

To note, the distribution of forest management decisions this time was given to small groups of people who are indeed able to manage forests well. Based on past experience, the granting of forest management rights is usually given to upper classes such as large corporations.

“I need to say that in the past the distribution of decrees like this was given to large companies, to corporations, now we have started that the decree on forest management is given to the people,” said the President.

Prior to granting management rights to indigenous peoples, President Joko Widodo has also given similar management rights to farmer groups. The gift was made during the President’s working visit to Central Kalimantan some time ago.

“Yesterday we gave it to Pulang Pisau Regency with an area of ​​12 thousand hectares. We give it to farmer groups. Today, the decree on customary forests has also been broken and will continue. Of course, with this decree, the community can manage forever. And in the map there will also be adjustments, there are new criteria, namely regarding customary forests,” he explained.

The Head of State then reiterated that the granting of forest management rights to the people would continue. This is because, the President acknowledged that until now the granting of management rights is still at a fairly small number.

“What I have in my pocket now is 12.7 million hectares that we will continue to distribute, but only to the community, the people, farmers’ groups, and indigenous communities so that the people and indigenous peoples who really enjoy the richness of our forests are the people and indigenous communities,” he added.

On this occasion, the President also invited relevant ministries and customary forest stakeholders to work together to maintain Indonesia’s biodiversity. All of this is for the good of the present and future generations.

“I congratulate the customary forest holders who have just been assigned their status. Let’s take good care of nature for the sake of the current generation and future generations of Indonesia,” he concluded.

After the event, President Joko Widodo took the time to listen to a number of inputs from the traditional stakeholders who were present. The Head of State wants to hear directly from these inputs so that in the future the efforts made by the government can truly target and benefit the community. For about half an hour President Joko Widodo listened to these inputs.

Also present at the acknowledgment of customary forest were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning Sofyan Djalil, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, Head of the Peat Restoration Agency Nazir Foead and a number of ambassadors from friendly countries ( rail KSP/isw )