State Recognition and Respect for the Rights of Customary Law Communities in the Maluku Islands Region in the Exploitation of Forest Resources

Abstract

Introduction: The Constitution clearly provides recognition and respect for the existence of society customary law in Indonesia is regulated in Article 18B paragraph (2) and Article 28I paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution. However, how is the implementation in the islands such as Maluku Province which has unique characteristics such as cultural, social, religious culture and especially in the utilization of forest resources based on local wisdom that has been maintained for generations.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this research is to analyze and explain how the state's recognition and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples to the use of forest resources in the constitution and secondly to analyze how the implementation of state control over forest resources is related to the rights of indigenous peoples in Maluku Province.Methods of the Research: This study uses two approaches, namely a legal approach which examines various legal foundations, both products of legislation and regulations related to exploitation of forest resources in islands and the second approach is a conceptual approach related to the problem under study.Results of the Research: The results show recognition and protection of indigenous peoples has been regulated in the 1945 Constitution and several sectoral laws. However, in practice, the rights of indigenous peoples over their forest resources often clash with the interests of the government in the name of development by granting various permits in the field of forest resources to corporations in the forestry sector, causing vertical conflicts between indigenous peoples and corporations in Maluku. as well as horizontal conflicts between state institutions in Indonesia. In addition, the criminalization and violence against indigenous peoples by law enforcement officers and violations of the rights of indigenous peoples by the state, especially the rights to control, manage and exploit forests, continue to this day. The government should enforce laws and development policies in Indonesia by immediately ratifying the draft law on the protection of the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples as an effort by the state to realize protection for every citizen and serve as a legal umbrella that is fair and non-discriminatory.