Sumbawa Regency Submits BRIN’s Scientific Study to Komnas HAM

Reporter: Noverius Laoli | Editor: Noverius Laoli

KOMNAS HAM - JAKARTA. The long-standing polemic regarding indigenous identity claims in Sumbawa Regency has entered a new chapter.

The Sumbawa Regency Government officially submitted the final report on the study of indigenous communities to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on Thursday (Jan 15) in Jakarta.

The submission was accompanied by the research team from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

The submission of this report is a direct follow-up to the Komnas HAM mediation process held in July 2023 regarding the conflict between the Cek Bocek Selesek Suri Reen (CBSR) community and PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT).

In accordance with the peace agreement, the Sumbawa Government committed to an objective, science-based approach to provide legal certainty and end the ongoing public debate.

To ensure neutrality, the Sumbawa Regency Government appointed BRIN—a credible and independent state institution—to conduct a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary study. The findings concluded that the Cek Bocek (CBSR) group does not meet the juridical criteria to be classified as an "Indigenous Law Community" (Masyarakat Hukum Adat) under Indonesian national law.

While Cek Bocek is recognized as a legitimate social community with full citizen rights, it does not possess specific customary (adat) land rights.

The BRIN study also recommended a review of Village Regulation (Perdes) No. 1 of 2020. The research found that the regulation cannot legally serve as a basis for establishing indigenous territories as it exceeds village administrative authority and fails to meet mandatory verification procedures.

These conclusions were drawn from rigorous analysis across history, anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and positive law.

Representing the Regent of Sumbawa, Regional Secretary Budi Prasetiyo emphasized that the BRIN study is a valid and accountable scientific document.

"The Sumbawa Regency Government urges all parties to accept these findings wisely. Regardless of the legal status, the Cek Bocek community remains an integral part of the Sumbawa people, and their fundamental rights will continue to be protected by the state," stated Prasetiyo.

Komnas HAM expressed appreciation for the Sumbawa Government’s proactive and serious efforts in involving BRIN to resolve the issue objectively. With this report, the local government hopes to eliminate further polemics and misinterpretations, preventing future social conflicts.

Moving forward, the government remains focused on preserving Sumbawa’s authentic culture and fostering harmonious regional development for the welfare of all citizens, including stakeholders like AMNT.