Natalius Pigai Sorot Perkawinan Adat Sunda Wiwitan, Siapkan Langkah Perlindungan dan Mediasi

The Legislative Body (Baleg) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) held a working meeting with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Human Rights (HAM) regarding the discussion of the Draft Law on Indigenous Peoples on Wednesday (July 15, 2026). During the meeting, Baleg member Abidin Fikri highlighted the importance of transparency of indigenous peoples' data and the protection of their civil rights, including the recognition of customary marriages. Abidin Fikri questioned whether the indigenous peoples' directory compiled by the Ministry of Culture was publicly accessible. He stated that access to such data is crucial so that the public can verify the accuracy of data collection in each district and city and ensure that no indigenous community is overlooked. Furthermore, Abidin raised the issue of fulfilling the human rights of indigenous peoples based on his experience during a visit to Kuningan Regency. He stated that some indigenous communities conduct marriages based on traditional customs, but this practice has not been facilitated by the state. He believes the state should facilitate the rights of citizens who practice traditional beliefs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. He emphasized that the drafting of the Indigenous Peoples Bill must not hinder the fulfillment of the human rights of indigenous peoples. Abidin also called on the Ministry of Human Rights to address various administrative regulations deemed to still hinder the fulfillment of the civil rights of indigenous peoples, including those related to the recognition of customary marriages. In response, Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stated that the issue of the Sunda Wiwitan indigenous people in Kuningan Regency had drawn his ministry's attention. He stated that his ministry had conducted a legal review and field visit, and was preparing mediation with the Attorney General's Office regarding the Decree of the Head of the West Java High Prosecutor's Office concerning customary associations and customary procedures. Regarding customary marriages, Pigai stated that his ministry was addressing the issue as part of efforts to fulfill the rights of indigenous peoples. He also explained that the government was identifying individuals born from unregistered marriages to ensure they obtain legal documents and access to basic rights such as education and health care. Responding to Abidin's explanation regarding the difference between customary marriages and marriages that have not been administratively registered, Pigai emphasized that the case was also being processed by the Ministry of Human Rights. He stated that his ministry has instructed him to conduct investigations and prepare measures to protect and fulfill the rights of indigenous peoples facing similar issues. On the same occasion, Pigai revealed that the Ministry of Human Rights plans to submit a draft law on religious freedom next year. According to him, the regulation is intended to guarantee religious freedom more broadly, not just focusing on protecting state-recognized religions. He stated that the idea has been discussed with several parties, including the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) and the Minister of Religious Affairs. Pigai believes that discussions on the religious freedom bill need to first become public discourse, given the highly sensitive nature of the issue. The DPR RI Legislation Body (Baleg) working meeting with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Human Rights is part of the discussion on the Indigenous Peoples Bill, which is aimed at strengthening the recognition, protection, and fulfillment of the rights of indigenous peoples in Indonesia. Read the Full News: https://bengkulu.tribunnews.com/ Program: - Host: - Video Editor: Muhammad Maulana Ahmad Al H Uploader: - Download the TribunX news app on the Play Store or App Store for a new experience. Read the news at ------- http://bengkulu.tribunnews.com/ Follow Instagram ---------   / tribun_bengkulu   Like our fan page ---------   / tribunbengkulu