Impact of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road on Talang Jerinjing Indigenous Graves

Abstract

The development of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, designated as a national strategic project, has had a substantial impact on the Talang Mamak indigenous community in Talang Jerinjing Village, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau. A central issue arising from this development is the dispute over customary burial grounds, which hold sacred significance and are deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the community. This study aims to examine the chronology of the conflict, the effects of toll road construction on burial sites, and the strategies employed by indigenous communities to uphold their rights. A qualitative approach was adopted, based on literature review and field observation. The findings reveal that limited community involvement in the planning stages and the weak legal safeguards for customary land have provoked opposition and posed a risk of social fragmentation. In response, indigenous groups have undertaken advocacy efforts and customary consultations to protect ancestral burial grounds. The study underscores the need for inclusive participation of indigenous peoples and stronger legal protections throughout all phases of infrastructure development to ensure cultural preservation and social justice