25 February 2025 – As owners of local knowledge that has been tested for centuries, Indigenous Peoples have agricultural, fisheries and forestry management systems that not only support the community's food needs, but also maintain ecological balance and avoid over-exploitation of natural resources. Various food sovereignty practices

based on local wisdom has been implemented in various regions of Indonesia, including the coast and small islands, showing that Indigenous Peoples play a key role in the national food system.

In Papua, for example, food diversity is strongly influenced by the geographical conditions of indigenous territories. “Communities living in the lowlands manage natural resources by building “sago hamlets” which are managed based on clan or tribal customary law. "Meanwhile, in the highlands, food patterns focus more on cultivating tubers which are part of a tradition passed down from generation to generation," said Maria, Woman from Mpur Kebar, Tambrauw, Southwest Papua.

In the Kasepuhan area, West Java, there is a communal-based food sovereignty system that has built thousands ‘leuit’ or rice barns to ensure long-term food availability. “Leuit "We can store the harvest for years, not only to meet our family's food needs, but also to maintain food security in our traditional territory," said Sucia Lisdamara, Kasepuhan Bayah Traditional Woman.

The food sovereignty of Indigenous Communities has also proven to be a real strength, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. In a coverage report compiled by Ahmad Arif in 2022, it is explained how indigenous communities are able to fulfill almost all their living needs independently and survive in the midst of the crisis. One example is seen in the Boti Indigenous Community, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The Boti Indigenous People have in-depth knowledge

The food sovereignty of Indigenous Communities has also proven to be a real strength, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. In a coverage report compiled by Ahmad Arif in 2022, it is explained how indigenous communities are able to fulfill almost all their living needs independently and survive in the midst of the crisis. One example is seen in the Boti Indigenous Community, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The Boti Indigenous People have in-depth knowledge

More than just nutritional and food needs, food sovereignty is also a cultural identity and symbol of social relations in indigenous communities. In East Nusa Tenggara, the Leuhoe Indigenous Community in Hoelea II Village, Lembata Regency, has cultivated the culture of consuming local food jali-jali or Leye in Kedang language. Tradition Puting Watar Ka Leye obliging women from certain tribes to consume Leye throughout life, illustrates the close connection between local food and customs and culture. Indigenous communities living in coastal areas and small islands also apply fisheries resource management practices based on local wisdom to meet community food needs, such as Panglima Laot in Aceh, Mane'e in the Talaud Islands, Ola Nua in Lamalera, and Sasi Ikan Lompa on Haruku Island. Studies in the Paser community around the Balikpapan Bay mangroves show that the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem is closely related to their food security. “Fish, shrimp, crabs and shellfish are the main food sources for Coastal Indigenous Peoples. The 'Life Market' that is still available around their house indicates a healthy mangrove ecosystem. "If the mangroves disappear, the Paser Indigenous People will lose their food source," said Bagas Pangestu, a local activist on coastal and marine issues.

Mika Ganobal, Indigenous People of the Aru Islands, Maluku, also emphasized that the food sovereignty of indigenous communities who inhabit small islands is very dependent on wise management of natural resources by taking advantage of natural situations and phenomena such as tides, sea breezes, rainfall and moon phases.

The Indigenous Peoples Draft Law (RUU) is expected to become a legal instrument that not only recognizes and protects the rights and local wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, but also maintains the sustainability of community-based food sovereignty. With the ratification of this bill, Indigenous Peoples also receive guarantees of knowledge and practice in managing and developing food processing methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Veni Siregar, Coordinator of the Coalition to Guard the Indigenous Peoples Bill, emphasized that the Indigenous Peoples Bill has been included in the 2025 Priority National Legislation Program. "The Indigenous Peoples Bill is a path to the sovereignty and independence of Indigenous Peoples. "Indigenous communities have knowledge in managing natural resources," said Veni.

By maintaining a balance between human needs and environmental sustainability, Indigenous Peoples have proven that food sovereignty can be achieved through an approach based on harmony with nature. Efforts to recognize and protect Indigenous Peoples are an integral part of the national food system.

“This is a moment of reflection to see how national food policy can be more inclusive and pro-Indigenous. By maintaining and strengthening their food systems,

"We not only conserve biodiversity, but also ensure that future generations have access to food themselves and build a fair and sustainable national food system," concluded Veni.