Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture marked the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with a forum highlighting the role of Indigenous communities in preserving local food traditions and ancestral seeds.
The event, titled “Indigenous Peoples as Guardians of Local Food Traditions and Ancestral Seeds of the Archipelago”, was held at the Ministry of Education’s Plaza Insan Berprestasi in Jakarta, on Friday (August 8).
This year’s global theme, “The Right of Indigenous Peoples to Self-Determination: A Path to Food Security and Sovereignty”, underscores the importance of Indigenous knowledge in ensuring food security and sovereignty.
Restu Gunawan, Director General for Cultural and Traditional Heritage Protection, said the ministry is working on legal frameworks to safeguard the welfare of Indigenous peoples.
“Their struggle is not only about preserving the past, but also securing the future. It is both a cultural fight and a mark of progress,” Restu said.
Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized that the rights of Indigenous communities must be respected in line with the evolution of society and civilization, as stipulated in Article 28I, paragraph 3 of the Constitution.
“The Ministry of Culture supports cultural development, and this is not only about the arts but also about Indigenous peoples,” Fadli said. “Indonesia’s cultural ecosystem is safeguarded by our Indigenous communities, ensuring the continuity of our heritage.”
As part of the opening ceremony, representatives of Indigenous communities presented local food seeds to Indonesia’s Minister of Culture. The symbolic handover honored local wisdom and underscored the importance of preserving traditional food systems for future generations.
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The event also supported the government’s Gerakan Pangan Lokal Nusantara (Archipelago Local Food Movement), which aligns with President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s policy agenda on national self-reliance in food, energy, water, and the creative and green economies.
With one of the world’s richest varieties of local food resources, Indonesia sees Indigenous-led food diversification as a way to reduce dependence on rice and strengthen food sovereignty. Officials hope the event will foster cross-sector collaboration to protect Indigenous rights and safeguard local food heritage for future generations.
(Raidi/Agung)
