Throughout history, indigenous women have courageously fought for the rights of their communities, often at great personal risk. They hold the right to advocate for their communities, as they share a lineage rooted in ancestral traditions that have been passed down through generations, as said by Nadya Demadevina, the Manager of People's Legal Knowledge at the HuMa Indonesia Association. She also represents the Koalisi Kawal RUU Masyarakat Adat, or the Coalition to Guard the Indigenous Peoples Bill. 

"The definition of indigenous peoples is a community or group that has lived for generations in a specific area, bound by a cultural identity and holding local wisdom. They share connections to their ancestral origins and maintain a strong relationship with the land and natural resources within their territories, adhering to a system of values and customary law," said Nadya, during a discussion on Indigenous Women and Advocacy in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 9, 2025.

Indigenous Women’s Role in North Lombok

In North Lombok, for example, the Bayan indigenous women hold significant power in managing natural resources crucial for their community's survival. These women are vital in the production, processing, and utilization of resources in their community. 

"There is a phrase ‘bumi bayan bumi nina,’ meaning ‘the land of Bayan is the land of women,’ with ‘nina’ denoting women. It can also represent ‘bumi pertiwi’ or Mother Earth," explained Nelda Hannia, an indigenous woman from North Lombok who also in the discussion.

Nelda and her fellow youth actively advocate for women's roles in decision-making processes, ensuring their participation in mapping the areas to seek recognition. Their long efforts finally paid off when the Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 6 of 2020, was issued by the local government, formally acknowledging the existence of the Bayan indigenous community

IP Laws Ensuring the Roles of Indigenous Women

The ratification of the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU Masyarakat Adat) is crucial, as it will enhance the legal protection and recognition of indigenous peoples' rights. Additionally, it will provide a solid legal foundation for resolving agrarian conflicts and those related to environmental conservation.

The current state of the environment worldwide is concerning. Many natural resources are being excessively exploited, resulting in significant environmental damage. However, the ecosystems protected by indigenous peoples remain intact due to the local wisdom they apply in managing their lands. According to the United Nations, indigenous peoples are the guardians of nearly 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity and manage areas that cover 11% of the world’s forests. 

Indonesia itself is home to hundreds of indigenous communities, each following customary laws that have been passed down through generations. This local wisdom protects natural resources, making the environment sustainable for years to come.