Justice Daniel Yusmic Pancastaki Foekh as Keynote Speaker at Academic Discussion themed “The Role of Indigenous Legal Communities in Regional Development and NKRI”, organized by Universitas Kristen Palangka Raya (UKPR) at the Auditorium of the Central Kalimantan Governor’s Office, on Saturday (11/15/2025). Photo by MKRI.

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PALANGKARAYA (MKRI) – Constitutional Justice Daniel Yusmic Pancastaki Foekh served as the keynote speaker at an Academic Discussion themed “The Role of Indigenous Law Communities in Regional Development and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).” The event was organized by Universitas Kristen Palangka Raya (UKPR) on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Auditorium of the Central Kalimantan Governor’s Office. Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) for the Central Kalimantan electoral district also attending the event as a speaker. The discussion aimed to enhance public understanding of Indigenous Law.

The Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan, H. Edy Pratowo, formally opened the Academic Discussion and delivered remarks on behalf of the Governor. Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo expressed appreciation to the Dewan Adat Dayak (DAD) and all parties who initiated the event. He noted that the theme, “The Role of Indigenous Legal Communities in Regional Development and the NKRI,” is highly relevant and aligns with the vision and mission of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government. The Deputy Governor also emphasized that Indigenous Legal Communities constitute an essential and inseparable part of Indonesia’s national identity.

The event was attended by approximately 500 participants, including students from various universities in Palangka Raya; representatives of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda); heads of relevant regional government offices; leaders of higher education institutions across Palangka Raya; community leaders; traditional leaders; academics; and cultural observers. Also present were the heads of community organizations and Dayak associations, the Damang Traditional Leaders of Palangka Raya, as well as administrators of the Central Kalimantan DAD.

Constitutional Court Justice Daniel Yusmic Pancastaki Foekh began his presentation by outlining the role of the Constitutional Court within Indonesia’s constitutional system. He went on to explain the protection of the constitutional rights of Indigenous Law Communities. Justice Daniel highlighted that the Constitutional Court has issued at least seven decisions relevant to Indigenous Law issues, including Decision No. 31/PUU-V/2007 on the judicial review of the Law on the Establishment of Tual City in Maluku Province; Decision No. 3/PUU-VIII/2010 on the judicial review of the Law on Coastal and Small Islands Management; Decisions No. 34/PUU-IX/2011 and No. 35/PUU-X/2012 regarding the judicial review of the Forestry Law. Justice Daniel also elaborated on Decision No. 95/PUU-XII/2014 concerning the judicial review of the Law on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction and the Forestry Law; Decision No. 67/PUU-XXII/2024 regarding the judicial review of the State Ministry Law; and Decision No. 181/PUU-XXII/2024 concerning the Job Creation Law.

Concluding his presentation, Justice Daniel underscored that efforts to protect Indigenous Legal Communities in governance must be supported by an adequate legal foundation in the form of legislation. Therefore, lawmakers must prioritize the drafting and enactment of a law specifically regulating Indigenous Legal Communities. He further noted that the Bill on Indigenous Legal Communities has been included multiple times in the National Legislative Program (Prolegnas). Justice Daniel also reminded the audience that the existence of Indigenous Legal Communities and their traditional rights is affirmed in Article 18B(2) of the 1945 Constitution, which implicitly mandates that its regulation be set forth in a law. Thus, the enactment of legislation concerning Indigenous Legal Communities constitutes a constitutional mandate that must be realized promptly.

Author              : Erlina Maria Christin Sinaga

Editor               : N. Rosi.

Translator         : Aski V. Rumere/Donny Yuniarto

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian versions, the Indonesian version will prevail.

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