Palm oil plantations in Indonesia : government policy and its impact on indigenous peoples in West Kalimantan Province

Abstract

This study is about the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in globalization era where modernization and development are inevitable making indigenous peoples among the most vulnerable sections of society. Land, territory and resources that are considered sacred, part of their identity and cultural integrity are at stake. Therefore, they need protections to ensure continuity of their very existence. This research focuses on land acquisition process for palm oil plantations and its impacts on the life of indigenous peoples in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study tries to find out how the government policymaking process carried out in West Kalimantan’s palm oil plantation and what are the impacts of government policy on palm oil plantations to the indigenous peoples in West Kalimantan? It is found that the conditional recognition on the rights of indigenous peoples within the Indonesia’s legal framework has caused problems around 1) land, culture and identity; 2) food security and livelihood; 3) water resources; 4) criminalization of indigenous leaders and costly justice; 5) the loss of sacred sites and; 6) indigenous women. The study recommends a reform in the national laws and policy to be consistent with international standard to ensure the protection of indigenous peoples and further prevent them from social exclusion and discrimination.