On 25 May, the Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism, and Migration (CHRM2) Universitas Jember organized a special meeting on the preparation of the recognition of Tengger Indigenous Community in Lumajang District. Together with the Directorate General of Indigenous and Local Beliefs of the Ministry of Culture (KMA), CHRM2 had a very intense and intimate discussion with some participants representing Lumajang District Officials, head of village, and shamans.
Samsul Hadi, the director of the KMA, in his keynote speech, asserted that the government must recognize the fundamental rights of indigenous people such as the right to develop their culture, traditional knowledge, as well as communal land rights as part of indigenous integral and communal identity.
Al Khanif, director of the CHRM2 as the chair of the session also emphasized that Tengger as one of indigenous communities living in Java has long historical experience of exclusion mainly on land management. Tengger community has lived in Bromo Tengger Semenu (BTS) national parks for many years. They need special access to access BTS during the sacred rituals and relied much on the Parks for their daily life.
The meeting ended up with the drafting of agreement among participants and will be followed up with further action from Tengger community and Lumajang District.