ID: 2063
Presenting Author: Adi Prasetijo
Session: 729 - FPIC - How prior is prior?
Status: pending
FPIC in Indonesia is often misinterpreted as procedural rather than genuine consent, creating implementation gaps; reframing it as a substantive right is vital for inclusive & rights-based.
The FPIC has become crucial to Indonesia's development plans, particularly for IP. However, its implementation frequently deviates from the ideal of consent to simple compliance. This misconception, which reduces FPIC to a procedural checklist rather than a meaningful debate and agreement process, indicates institutional and structural limitations. While international frameworks promote community self-determination, country and project-level practices often associate FPIC with socialization or consultative efforts. The lack of a clear legal basis, inadequate expertise among implementing agencies, insufficient recognition of customary decision-making methods, and pressure from increased project timeframes under National Project Strategies (PSN) are all significant issues. These considerations often lead to tokenistic involvement, undermining the genuine spirit of consent. However, emerging best practices, such as participatory mapping, culturally appropriate facilitation, iterative discussion, and gender-inclusive participation, show that FPIC may be effectively implemented when based on trust and transparency. Reframing FPIC as a substantive right rather than a bureaucratic responsibility is critical to aligning Indonesia's development program with human rights, social justice, and long-term community empowerment.
Adi Prasetijo is an anthropologist and social safeguard specialist focusing on Indigenous Peoples, FPIC, and cultural heritage in Indonesia’s development, environment, and human rights contexts.