Indonesian Minority Justice Review
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024): January, 2024

The Struggle for Recognition: Legal Protections for Ethnic Minorities in Indonesia

Zara Evelyne Wiraatmaja (Universitas Indonesia)
Darren Kairo Nassif (American University of Beirut)
Leila Alishan Syahir (Universiti Malaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jan 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the legal protections available to ethnic minorities in Indonesia, examining the extent to which the legal framework supports or undermines their rights and recognition. Despite Indonesia’s pluralistic society and legal guarantees of equality, ethnic minorities, particularly in marginalized regions, often face systemic discrimination and exclusion. The study analyzes key laws, including the 1945 Constitution, the Human Rights Law, and regional autonomy laws, to assess their effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges faced by ethnic minority groups. Through a combination of legal analysis, interviews with community leaders, and case studies of specific ethnic groups, the paper highlights instances where legal protections have been insufficient, leading to the continued marginalization of these groups. The findings suggest that while there is a constitutional commitment to ethnic equality, the implementation of these protections is often hindered by local power dynamics, economic interests, and historical biases. The paper concludes by calling for stronger legal enforcement mechanisms, as well as a greater emphasis on cultural recognition and inclusive policymaking, to ensure that ethnic minorities receive the protection and recognition they deserve within Indonesia’s legal system.

Copyrights © 2024






Journal Info

Abbrev

minority

Publisher

Subject

Description

Indonesian Minority Justice Review (e-ISSN: 3164-581X) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal published by COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA in online format (electronic journal). First published in 2024, the journal is issued quarterly in January, April, July, and October. It provides an ...