BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — A long-delayed bill on indigenous peoples has remained stalled in Indonesia’s parliament for nearly two decades due to competing interests, including concerns over its potential impact on investment, a senior lawmaker said.

Ahmad Iman Sukri, chairman of the Legislative Body (Baleg) of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), said the draft law—known as the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU Masyarakat Adat)—has faced prolonged deadlock amid fears it could disrupt business activities, particularly in sectors such as mining.

“Some worry that mining lands and similar assets could be claimed by indigenous communities. In my view, those concerns are excessive,” Ahmad said after a Baleg working visit to the Bali Governor’s Office on Thursday (May 7, 2026).

He emphasized that the primary objective of the bill is to provide legal recognition and protection for indigenous communities. Although their existence is already acknowledged under Indonesia’s Constitution, implementing legislation at the statutory level has yet to be enacted.

“The Constitution recognizes customary law communities, but there is no implementing law yet. That is why this bill is crucial,” he said.

Ahmad added that the proposed legislation would also regulate economic aspects by positioning indigenous communities as legal subjects, allowing them to actively participate in investment activities within their territories.

He noted that Bali is among the regions most prepared to implement the law, citing its well-established indigenous social structures compared to other parts of the country.

“When it comes to customary law communities, Bali is the most prepared. It has long been ready, while other regions may not be,” he said.

The Baleg has also agreed to revise the bill’s nomenclature from the Indigenous Law Communities Bill (RUU Masyarakat Hukum Adat) to simply the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU Masyarakat Adat), following a proposal from Bali Governor Wayan Koster. The change is intended to broaden the regulation’s scope and make it more adaptable across regions.

“If we use the term ‘customary law communities,’ not many regions would be ready. So it was changed to ‘indigenous peoples’ to make it more flexible,” Ahmad said.

He expressed optimism that the bill could finally be passed into law this year or, at the latest, next year.