Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura held International Seminar themed “The Existence of Indigenous Communities Facing the Digitalization Era,” which highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by indigenous communities in facing the global digitalization era.
This activity took place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 and was carried out in a hybrid via Zoom and face-to-face at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura, and officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Hendrik Salmon.
The seminar presented two main speakers, namely Prof. Shambu Prasad Chakrabarty, Dean of the Faculty of Law University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, India, and Dr. Ayub Torry Satriyo Kusumo from the Faculty of Law, Sebelas Maret University (UNS). The event was moderated by Vonda Hattu, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura.
The speakers discussed strategic issues regarding the existence of indigenous communities in the digital era, emphasizing the importance of a legal framework capable of protecting indigenous rights and maintaining cultural sustainability amidst technological developments.
In the discussion, the speakers highlighted the urgency of legal recognition and protection for indigenous communities, particularly regarding the re-discussion of the Draft Law on Customary Law, which has been re-entered into the national legislative agenda for 2025, after being delayed since 2009.
In addition to bringing together academics from various countries, the seminar was also attended by students from various semesters who actively engaged in dialogue with the speakers. This involvement demonstrates the crucial role of education in fostering legal and social awareness among the younger generation, enabling them to understand and advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples amidst rapid digital development.
This activity is also part of the celebration of Universitas Pattimura's 69th Anniversary, emphasizing the Faculty of Law's commitment to encouraging the development of legal science that is inclusive, adaptive, and relevant to the needs of society.
Through this academic activity, the Faculty of Law at Universitas Pattimura affirms its role as an intellectual space that bridges the dialogue between tradition and technology, and contributes to shaping legal policies that are fair, sustainable, and pro-indigenous communities in the digital era.
