TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized the government's commitment to designating 1.4 million hectares (ha) of customary forests through a Decree (SK) on the Designation of Customary Forests.
In his statement on Saturday, as quoted by ANTARA, the Forestry Minister said that the Decree on Customary Forests was an effort to break the chain of forestry conflicts between the state and indigenous communities.
"As Minister of Forestry, I personally am committed to expediting the process of establishing these customary law communities," he said.
Furthermore, Raja Juli emphasized that recognizing and designating customary forests is an important step toward justice and stronger protection of customary law communities' rights. He said conflicts over customary forest areas often arise from differences in views about rights, area management, and law enforcement.
"It turns out that conflicts have existed for a long time and occur everywhere between the state and society in defining, managing, enforcing the law, and granting rights," he said.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli stated that the government will continue to engage in dialogue to find common ground between state regulations and the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities.
"While there are legal regulations, what goes beyond formal legal frameworks is good communication and agreement between the Ministry of Forestry, the government, and indigenous communities," he said.
Meanwhile, the minister has submitted a Decree on the Determination of Customary Forests to the customary forest community covering an area of 1,175 hectares for 4,938 Heads of Families (KK) with the details of the Decree recipients as follows.
Bengkulu Province, Lebong Regency
1. Rejang Clan IX
2. Rejang Kutai Kota Baru Santan
3. Rejang Kutai Pelabai
4. Rejang Kutai Talang Donok
5. Rejang Kutai Talang Donok 1
6. Rejang Kutai Tabeak Blau
Bali Province, Buleleng Regency
1. Customary Law Community (MHA) of Cempaga Traditional Village
2. Customary Law Community (MHA) of Tigawasa Traditional Village
Jambi Province, Sarolangun Regency
1. MHA Marga Sungai Pinang
2. MHA Matga Batang Asai
Read: Prabowo Joins Event Displaying Trillions in Forestry Fines
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