Democracy under Threat: Study of the Implementation of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to the Management of Natural Resources in Riau Province

Abstract

This article discusses why the failure to fulfill the rights of indigenous people in managing natural resources in Riau Province will pose a threat to democracy. The empirical phenomenon that occurred in Riau Province showed that even though regulations in recognition and protection existed, conflicts in the management of forests and land belonging to indigenous peoples continued to occur. This research uses qualitative methodology by employing data collection through interviews and documents. The results show that the non-fulfillment of the rights of indigenous peoples in the management of natural resources will lead to injustice, discrimination, and economic inequality. This will ultimately have implications for the decline in the quality of democracy and the legitimacy of the government regime. The implementation of the rights of indigenous peoples in managing natural resources in Riau Province is limited to democratic rhetoric. The conclusion in this study is that violations of the rights of indigenous peoples will contribute to democratic de-consolidation.