Central Papua legislator warns against sidelining Indigenous landowners

Thobias Bagubau, a member of the Central Papua Legislative Council, has cautioned that government crackdowns on illegal gold mining must not disadvantage Indigenous communities. The warning follows a high-level visit to Nabire Regency by Indonesia’s Defence Minister, the military commander, the National Police chief, and the Attorney General to address illegal mining activities.

Bagubau, representing the Intan Jaya constituency, questioned whether the mission’s true intent was to regulate mining or to serve other interests. He emphasized that while he supports President Prabowo Subianto’s policies to curb illegal mining conducted by irresponsible actors, the process must not facilitate the entry of new companies that could harm Indigenous rights.

Illegal mining has been identified in several locations, including the Trans-Papua Road near kilometer 107, Makimi in Nabire Regency, the Degeuwo River in Paniai Regency, and parts of Intan Jaya Regency. Bagubau asserted that because these areas are not empty lands but are held by Indigenous landowners, authorities must coordinate with local rights holders to avoid community opposition.