Vol. VI / No. 6 | September 2025
Authors:
Gibraltar Andibya Muhammad & Rozan Firdaus Permana,
Department Assistant, University of Indonesia
Summary
This commentary explores the adverse impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on local indigenous communities in Indonesia. The paper highlights how infrastructure projects under BRI have led to significant socio-cultural disruptions, including displacement of indigenous peoples and loss of traditional lands, which are critical to their cultural heritage and identity, mainly in North Maluku, Tapanuli, North Kalimantan, and Riau Islands (Rempang). Furthermore, it addresses environmental degradation resulting from large-scale construction activities such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution, which threaten biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. The study calls for a balanced approach that considers the rights and needs of indigenous populations while pursuing developmental projects.
Keywords: Belt and Road Inititative (BRI), indigenous communities, development, environment