Natural Resources Governance and the Vulnerability of Indigenous Communities in Indonesia

A. Junaedi Karso^*

• Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia

Indigenous communities in Indonesia remain among the most vulnerable groups in the governance of natural resources, despite the constitutional recognition of their customary rights. Their struggles are often intensified by overlapping land claims, fragmented regulations, and limited representation in decision-making. This study examines how governance law addresses these vulnerabilities and explores legal and institutional pathways for stronger protection. Adopting a qualitative approach, it employs thematic analysis of five policy and legal documents, complemented by reports from nongovernmental and international organisations, and a comparative review of global instruments such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169. The findings indicate that legal pluralism in Indonesia remains poorly integrated, resulting in persistent uncertainty and weak recognition of customary territories. The study advances the literature on governance law by proposing an integrated model that harmonises state and customary systems through clear institutional mechanisms. It concludes with policy implications for developing countries, notably the establishment of a national Indigenous Tribunal and a unified land registration framework to promote inclusive and sustainable resource governance.