BALANCING TRADITION AND LAW: INDIGENOUS USE AND LEGAL PROTECTION OF PULAU PASIR/ASHMORE REEF
Authors: Liunokas Andre Novensa , Patittingi Farida , Widayanti Tri Fenny , Budiyanto  , Umar Sabria 
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This study explores the legal protection and certainty for the indigenous communities of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in utilizing Pasir Island and its implications based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). By referring to various international and national regulations, including Article 18B Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution, ILO Convention No. 107 of 1957, ILO Convention No. 169 of 1989, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of 2007, this study examines the recognition and protection of indigenous rights related to the use of natural resources and land rights in their traditional territories. The study finds inconsistencies in the interpretation of traditional fishing rights between Indonesia and Australia, particularly concerning the definition and boundaries of fishing areas around Ashmore and Cartier or Pasir Island. Although the 1974 MoU Box Agreement provides a legal basis, various prohibitions and restrictions create uncertainty. UNCLOS 1982 recognizes traditional fishing rights, but its implementation often conflicts with Australian environmental laws, leading to tensions between Indonesian fishermen and Australian authorities and posing serious issues related to violations and law enforcement. This study recommends enhancing cooperation and dialogue between Indonesia and Australia through diplomatic efforts to reach a fair agreement that protects the traditional fishing rights of Indonesian fishermen in accordance with international law. A comprehensive approach is needed to achieve a sustainable and mutually beneficial solution for both parties.
Abstrak: Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi perlindungan hukum dan kepastian hukum bagi masyarakat adat Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) dalam pemanfaatan Pulau Pasir, serta implikasinya berdasarkan Konvensi Hukum Laut PBB 1982 (UNCLOS 1982). Dengan mengacu pada berbagai regulasi internasional dan nasional, termasuk Pasal 18B Ayat 2 UUD 1945, Konvensi ILO No. 107 Tahun 1957, Konvensi ILO No. 169 Tahun 1989, dan Deklarasi PBB tentang Hak-Hak Masyarakat Adat Tahun 2007, studi ini mengkaji pengakuan dan perlindungan hak-hak masyarakat adat terkait penggunaan sumber daya alam dan hak atas tanah di wilayah tradisional mereka. Penelitian ini menemukan adanya ketidakkonsistenan dalam interpretasi hak-hak penangkapan ikan tradisional antara Indonesia dan Australia, terutama dalam hal definisi dan batas-batas wilayah penangkapan ikan di sekitar Ashmore dan Cartier atau Pulau Pasir. Meskipun Perjanjian MoU Box 1974 memberikan dasar hukum, berbagai larangan dan pembatasan menciptakan ketidakpastian. UNCLOS 1982 mengakui hak-hak penangkapan ikan tradisional, namun implementasinya sering bertentangan dengan undang-undang lingkungan Australia, yang mengarah pada ketegangan antara nelayan Indonesia dan otoritas Australia serta menimbulkan masalah serius terkait pelanggaran dan penegakan hukum. Studi ini merekomendasikan peningkatan kerja sama dan dialog antara Indonesia dan Australia melalui upaya diplomatik untuk mencapai kesepakatan yang adil dan melindungi hak-hak penangkapan ikan tradisional nelayan Indonesia sesuai dengan hukum internasional. Diperlukan pendekatan komprehensif untuk mencapai solusi yang berkelanjutan dan saling menguntungkan bagi kedua belah pihak.
Kata Kunci: Pulau Pasir, Ashmoore Reef, Indigenous People, Unclos 1982, MoU Box.