Cornelis: The Capital of Nusantara (Ibu Kota Nusantara/IKN) Must Not Marginalize Indigenous People!
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A Working Meeting between Commission II Members and the IKN Authority in Jakarta on Monday, March 18, 2024. Source: TEMPO Development & Infrastructure |
BORNEOTRAVEL- JAKARTA: Drs. Cornelis, M.H., a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized the importance of ensuring that the implementation of the Nusantara City (IKN) does not lead to the marginalization of indigenous populations in the area, as has occurred with indigenous communities in other countries that have been pushed to the margins.
Cornelis' Warning: Don't Marginalize Indigenous People!
This statement was made by Cornelis during a working meeting between Commission II members from the PDIP faction of the DPR RI and representatives of the IKN Authority in Jakarta on Monday, March 18, 2024. Special attention was given to the potential risks that may arise from the implementation of the Nusantara City (IKN).One way to illustrate these risks was by providing examples from the historical experiences of indigenous peoples in various parts of the world.
Learning from World History
The PDIP faction member illustrated the situations faced by Aboriginal people in Australia, Native Americans in the United States, and the Viking descendants in Europe as a warning of the dangers of losing cultural identity and existence due to development projects that do not take into account the presence and needs of local communities.
History has documented how these communities have been marginalized, displaced from their ancestral lands, and often lost their rights to land and natural resources that are an integral part of their identity and existence.
By providing these examples, the PDIP faction member strongly voiced concerns about the potential risks that local communities in the areas affected by the IKN development may face. This is a call for the government and the IKN Authority to ensure that the development considers not only economic and infrastructure aspects but also respects, protects, and promotes the rights and interests of local communities to preserve their identity, culture, and existence.
News of Displacement of Local Communities
Meanwhile, Guspardi Gaus, another member of Commission II, requested the IKN Authority to pay attention to the presence of local communities who have lived in the area for a long time.He emphasized the need for a response to news of potential displacement of local residents due to the IKN development. Guspardi stressed the importance of ensuring that IKN does not repeat the mistakes of urban development in other countries that resulted in the loss of local indigenous peoples' identities.
Guspardi questioned the truth of reports about displacement and stated that if proven true, it would be a painful and shameful action.
Guspardi also shared his role in the discussion of the IKN Law in the DPR, where the DPR emphasized that IKN must be an inclusive city for all social groups, not just a specific group.
-- Amee Lea Koa
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