The Extent of Concessions in Indonesian Indigenous Territories Until August 2025

Data released by the Indigenous Peoples' Territory Registration Agency (BRWA) shows that 33.65 million hectares (ha) of indigenous territories have been mapped and registered with BRWA as of August 2025.

These territories encompass thousands of indigenous communities and 1,633 indigenous territory maps spread across 32 provinces in Indonesia.

However, regarding land tenure status, there are concessions within indigenous territories spread across four categories, with Business Permits for Utilization of Natural Forests (PBPH-HA) concessions being the largest. 

The remaining concessions fall under the categories of Business Permits for Utilization of Plantation Forests (PBPH-HT), Mining Business Permits (IU-Mining), and Cultivation Rights (HGU).

Below is the area of concessions in indigenous territories by category as of August 2025:

1. PBPH-HA: 4.11 million ha
2. PBPH-HT: 1.59 million ha
3. HGU: 891,886 ha
4. IU-Mining: 756,928 ha

BRWA stated that the progress of indigenous territory recognition in Indonesia is still very slow. This is because only 18.9% of the mapped indigenous territories are legally recognized by the state.

“Without legal recognition, these territories remain vulnerable to the threats of industrial expansion, land conversion, and development policies that are insensitive to the rights and value systems of indigenous communities,” explained BRWA.

Legal certainty and protection of the rights of indigenous communities and indigenous territories are necessary to prevent and mitigate new tenurial conflicts amidst the surge of development.

“This also ensures social justice for indigenous communities as vulnerable groups and guarantees the sustainability of a pristine natural environment for future generations,” said BRWA.

It should be noted that BRWA is not an agency that conducts participatory mapping activities in indigenous territories. The maps registered with BRWA are the result of the work of indigenous communities and organizations or facilitators assisting in indigenous territory mapping.