Human Rights and Environmental Justice: The Struggle for Indigenous Rights Against Environmental Degradation in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia's indigenous communities face significant human rights challenges due to environmental degradation, including deforestation, mining, and the effects of climate change. This paper explores the intersection of human rights and environmental justice, focusing on the rights of indigenous peoples to land, resources, and cultural survival. Through case studies of indigenous resistance movements, the paper investigates the legal, social, and political obstacles these communities face in protecting their lands from large-scale industrial activities. It also examines the role of environmental organizations and advocacy groups in supporting indigenous rights and seeking legal redress. The findings suggest that while some progress has been made in recognizing indigenous land rights, significant legal and institutional barriers remain. The research emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and legal perspectives into national environmental policies and provides a framework for advancing environmental justice in Indonesia. This paper offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection between human rights and environmental justice for indigenous communities in Indonesia, providing a comprehensive analysis of the legal and social challenges they face. The study contributes to environmental justice literature by highlighting the unique struggles of indigenous communities in Indonesia and advocating for legal reforms that recognize and protect their rights in the context of environmental degradation.