THE EXISTENCE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES UNDER THE PRINCIPLE OF DECENTRALIZATION

Abstract

Decentralization is the delegation of authority from the central government to local governments to improve
the effectiveness of public services and decision-making in governance. Through decentralization, regions
have the autonomy to determine policies that are consistent with the needs of local communities. In practice,
decentralization involves not only the general public but also Indigenous Peoples, whose existence is
recognized under Article 18B paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. This
study focuses on the involvement of Indigenous Peoples in the implementation of decentralization,
particularly in policy-making and regional development based on natural resource management. The study
employs a mixed-methods approach, with data collected through observation, interviews, and Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs), supported by primary and secondary data. The findings indicate that Indigenous
Peoples have often been positioned merely as objects of policy and have not yet been provided equal
opportunities to participate in decision-making. However, field findings show that the role of Indigenous
Peoples in natural resource management has begun to emerge and contributes to regional development.
Therefore, local governments need to strengthen the active involvement of Indigenous Peoples in policy
formulation to support more inclusive and sustainable development.