Indonesian Minority Justice Review
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 academic platform for scholars, researchers, legal practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to disseminate research and scholarly perspectives on minority rights, legal recognition, equality, and social justice in Indonesia and other multicultural societies. The journal publishes original research articles, review articles, case studies, conceptual studies, policy analyses, and interdisciplinary scholarly works addressing legal and social issues affecting minority communities. Its scope includes minority rights, discrimination, equality before the law, freedom of religion and belief, ethnicity, gender equality and identity, disability rights, linguistic diversity, cultural rights, citizenship, and access to justice. It also welcomes studies on legal reform, public policy, governance, human rights, and institutional mechanisms for minority protection and social inclusion. The journal encourages interdisciplinary contributions from law and related fields, including political science, sociology, anthropology, religious studies, and international human rights. It aims to promote rigorous academic discussion and practical recommendations that contribute to legal reform, equality, human rights protection, social justice, and inclusive governance. The journal applies a double-anonymous peer-review process and an Open Access Policy, providing free and immediate access to all published articles. Copyright is retained by the authors, and articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
Articles
55 Documents
The Displacement of the Malay People: A Case Study of the Legal and Environmental Injustices Faced by Indigenous Groups in Riau
Fadhel Arjuna Adinda;
Rosyidi Hamzah
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): April, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/29w4dz53
This paper explores the legal and environmental injustices faced by the indigenous Malay communities in Riau, particularly the land dispossession caused by the expansion of logging and palm oil plantations. Over the past few decades, Riau has witnessed rapid deforestation and large-scale land conversions that have displaced indigenous Malay populations from their ancestral territories. The study critically examines the legal battles these communities face in securing land rights, focusing on the inadequacies of Indonesian land laws, such as the 1999 Forestry Law, which has facilitated the encroachment of corporate interests into indigenous territories. Through a combination of legal analysis, case studies, and interviews with affected communities, the paper explores how the legal system has systematically failed to protect indigenous land rights. The study highlights how land dispossession not only leads to environmental degradation but also to the loss of cultural identity and economic livelihoods for the Malay people. The paper also critiques the role of government institutions in enabling land grabbing and corporate encroachment, and it identifies gaps in Indonesia's land tenure system. The findings underscore the need for stronger legal protections for indigenous land rights and propose reforms to the 1999 Forestry Law, advocating for clearer recognition of customary land rights and more inclusive policies for indigenous communities.
Justice for the Disabled: Legal Barriers to Inclusion and Rights for Indonesia’s Disabled Population
Ridwan Arifin;
Souad Ezzerouali;
Mutmainah Nur Qoiri
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): April, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/vmmee860
This paper examines the legal barriers to inclusion and the protection of rights for disabled individuals in Indonesia, with a focus on the gaps in legislation and systemic challenges that prevent full participation in society. While Indonesia ratified the 2007 Law on Disability Rights, which mandates equality in areas such as education, employment, and access to public services, disabled individuals continue to face widespread discrimination and marginalization. The paper critically analyzes how the law falls short in terms of implementation and enforcement, leading to unequal access to quality education, employment opportunities, and healthcare. By using case studies of disabled individuals in urban and rural settings, the paper explores the social and legal obstacles they encounter, such as inaccessible infrastructure, discriminatory hiring practices, and limited access to adaptive technologies. The study also critiques the inadequate enforcement of existing regulations, particularly at the local government level, and the lack of legal support for disabled people in seeking redress for their grievances. The findings highlight the urgent need for a more comprehensive legal framework that not only guarantees rights on paper but also ensures the practical inclusion of disabled individuals. The paper concludes by proposing targeted reforms, including better disability awareness training for government officials, stricter regulations for accessibility, and the establishment of dedicated legal support services for disabled individuals.
The Legal Struggles of the Madurese in Kalimantan: A Case Study of Ethnic Conflict and Discrimination in Indonesian Courts
Auliya Rochman
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): April, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/wd4c4w67
This paper investigates the legal struggles faced by the Madurese ethnic group in Kalimantan, focusing on both historical and contemporary legal discrimination that exacerbates ethnic tensions and impedes social justice. The Madurese, who have historically been marginalized in the region, have faced discriminatory legal practices that have perpetuated their social exclusion. The study examines how legal frameworks, such as the 1965 Anti-Communist Law, have historically been used to target the Madurese, especially during periods of political unrest, including the 1996 Sampit conflict. The paper also explores how contemporary legal issues—ranging from land ownership disputes to labor rights—continue to disadvantage the Madurese in Kalimantan, where they often face unequal treatment in the courts. Through an analysis of legal cases, interviews with community members, and examination of regional policies, the paper highlights how ethnic bias in the judicial system has hindered the ability of the Madurese to secure justice. The study underscores the need for judicial reforms aimed at combating ethnic bias, ensuring equal access to legal protections, and promoting social cohesion. The paper concludes by proposing specific measures for addressing ethnic discrimination within the legal system and ensuring that the Madurese and other marginalized groups have equal rights under the law.
The Plight of Transgender Indonesians: Legal Challenges and Social Exclusion in the Courts
Andre Sidabutar
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): April, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/0wa7t966
This paper examines the legal challenges faced by transgender individuals in Indonesia, particularly in relation to the recognition of gender identity and access to legal protections. Although transgender people in Indonesia often experience social exclusion, their struggles are further compounded by a legal system that does not adequately recognize gender identity. The study focuses on key legal issues, including the inability to legally change gender markers on identification documents, the lack of anti-discrimination protections, and the absence of legal recognition of transgender rights. The paper also explores how the 1974 Marriage Law, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, exacerbates the marginalization of transgender individuals by denying them legal recognition in family law matters. Using interviews with transgender activists and case studies of legal disputes, the paper illustrates the ways in which transgender Indonesians face legal invisibility and social exclusion. The findings highlight the urgent need for legal reforms that would recognize gender identity, provide explicit protections against discrimination, and ensure access to gender-affirming healthcare. The paper concludes by recommending a legal framework that guarantees equal rights and recognition for transgender individuals, as well as strategies for increasing public awareness of transgender issues in Indonesia.
Religious Persecution and the Law: A Case Study of the Christian Minority in Aceh and the Legal Implications of Sharia-Based Policies
Achmad Bahtiar Akbar
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): April, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/tngwz988
This paper examines the struggles faced by the Christian minority in Aceh, particularly the legal implications of living under Sharia law in the province, where Islamic law is implemented alongside national laws. The Christian community in Aceh has faced significant religious persecution, including restrictions on the construction of churches, forced closures of places of worship, and the social marginalization of religious minorities. The study analyzes how Sharia-based policies, implemented since Aceh gained special autonomy in 2001, impact the religious freedom of non-Muslim communities. Through a review of legal cases, government decrees, and interviews with Christian leaders in Aceh, the paper explores the challenges these religious minorities face in seeking legal protection for their rights. The paper critiques the inconsistencies between national religious freedom guarantees and the application of Sharia law at the provincial level, and it examines the extent to which religious minorities have been denied equal protection under the law. The findings suggest that while Indonesia’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom, the application of Sharia law in Aceh poses unique legal challenges to the Christian minority. The paper concludes by recommending legal reforms that protect religious minorities from discrimination and ensure the full implementation of religious freedom across all provinces, including Aceh.
Gender Minority Rights and Legal Protection of the LGBTQ+ Community in Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities
Surya Adiguna;
Shella Putri Bagaskara
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/be761y05
The LGBTQ+ community in Indonesia faces unique legal and social challenges, reflecting broader tensions between cultural norms, religious beliefs, and human rights obligations. This study investigates the status of gender minorities in urban and rural settings, focusing on access to legal protection, social acceptance, and public policy interventions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with LGBTQ+ activists, legal practitioners, and affected community members, supplemented by analysis of Indonesian laws and court decisions. The research finds that while certain legal mechanisms exist to prevent discrimination, societal stigma and inconsistent enforcement undermine their effectiveness. By comparing Indonesia’s experiences with international standards on minority rights protection, the paper highlights strategies to strengthen advocacy, enhance community resilience, and foster inclusive governance. The study contributes to the global understanding of LGBTQ+ minority justice in contexts where cultural and religious sensitivities heavily influence legal and social outcomes.
Religious Minority Rights and Social Media Narratives in Indonesia: A Case Study of Online Hate Speech
Alimuddin Alimuddin;
Muhammad Zulfikar Satria Lubis
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/t301aw61
In recent years, social media has emerged as both a platform for civic engagement and a space where religious minority communities in Indonesia face heightened risks of discrimination and harassment. This paper explores how online narratives shape perceptions of religious minorities, focusing on the interplay between social media discourse, state regulations, and community responses. Using content analysis of Twitter and Facebook posts related to prominent cases of religious intolerance, combined with interviews with minority activists, this study highlights how digital platforms can amplify both hate speech and advocacy for minority rights. The findings reveal that while legal frameworks exist to protect religious freedom in Indonesia, enforcement is inconsistent, often leaving minority communities vulnerable. The study underscores the importance of digital literacy, public awareness campaigns, and proactive governmental measures to ensure that online spaces contribute positively to social cohesion rather than deepening marginalization. The implications extend beyond Indonesia, offering insights into the global challenges of protecting minority rights in an increasingly digital world.
Indigenous Land Rights and Environmental Justice in Indonesia: Balancing Development and Minority Protections
Aprila Niravita;
Suhadi Suhadi
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/ehgh5h74
Indonesia’s rapid economic development has intensified land conflicts involving indigenous communities, raising critical questions about environmental justice and minority rights. This paper examines how indigenous groups assert land claims against corporate and governmental development projects, analyzing the legal frameworks, customary laws (adat), and community strategies employed to safeguard their territories. Fieldwork conducted in Central Kalimantan and West Papua includes interviews with local leaders, NGO workers, and policymakers. The research identifies systemic gaps in the recognition of indigenous land rights and explores the tensions between economic growth imperatives and social justice obligations. By situating the Indonesian case within the global discourse on indigenous rights and environmental sustainability, the study emphasizes the necessity of integrating minority protections into national development planning. The findings advocate for legal reforms, participatory policymaking, and community-based monitoring to ensure that environmental justice aligns with minority rights protection.
Ethnic Minority Education and Access to Public Services in Eastern Indonesia: A Justice Perspective
Yohanes Rumbiak;
Paulus Pattipeilohy;
Ester Latuconsina
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/43g2z057
Educational access and quality remain unequal for ethnic minority communities in Eastern Indonesia, reflecting broader patterns of structural marginalization. This paper explores how educational policies, cultural norms, and local governance practices impact minority children’s access to schooling and other public services. Using mixed-methods research, including surveys, interviews, and policy analysis in Papua and Maluku, the study identifies systemic barriers such as language differences, geographic isolation, and discriminatory attitudes. The research emphasizes the role of inclusive educational policies and culturally sensitive teaching approaches in promoting social equity. By situating Indonesia’s challenges within the global discourse on minority education rights, the study provides recommendations for policymakers, educators, and civil society organizations to foster equitable access and ensure that minority communities receive justice through educational opportunities.
Judicial Responses to Minority Rights Violations in Indonesia: Case Studies of Religious and Ethnic Conflicts
Mahendra Putra;
Budiarto Syahputra;
Nurulaini Hidayah;
Indriani Putri
Indonesian Minority Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/q3927b27
The protection of minority rights in Indonesia faces significant challenges due to the complex interplay of law, politics, and social tensions. This paper analyzes judicial responses to cases involving religious and ethnic minority communities, focusing on the effectiveness of courts in upholding constitutional protections and international human rights standards. Case studies from Aceh, West Papua, and Central Java highlight patterns in legal reasoning, evidentiary challenges, and the broader social consequences of judicial decisions. Interviews with lawyers, judges, and affected community members provide insight into the perceived legitimacy of the justice system among minority groups. The findings suggest that while Indonesia’s judiciary has made strides in recognizing minority rights, inconsistencies and political pressures continue to limit the full realization of justice. The study offers policy recommendations to strengthen legal mechanisms, enhance judicial independence, and promote minority participation in legal processes, contributing to broader global debates on judicial protection of minority rights.