On November 4, 2025, Indonesia's government pledged to recognize 1.4 million hectares of Indigenous and customary forests by 2029, a move intended to combat deforestation and bolster Indigenous rights. Despite this announcement, many activists are skeptical, pointing to a history of unfulfilled commitments and bureaucratic hurdles that have hindered the recognition of Indigenous land rights. Currently, less than 2% of mapped customary forests have been officially recognized, and ongoing land grabs for extractive projects continue to threaten Indigenous communities. Critics argue that without substantial legal reforms and genuine action, this latest pledge may merely serve as a symbolic gesture rather than a transformative step towards protecting Indigenous rights and forests.