Hierarchies of Power and Civic Politics: Dynamics of Affirmative Action of Marginalized Communities on Government Policies through FPIC

Abstract

Public participation is an important factor in policymaking. This participation must be viewed as
meaningful rather than merely symbolic. Recently, the government's power structure set a bad precedent
for policymaking that does not provide affirmative action to affected communities, particularly Indigenous
ones. Marginalized communities are forced to follow and implement government policies. This study will
examine the dynamics of marginalized communities' affirmative action toward government policies using
FPIC (free, Prior, Informed, and Consent). To formulate the argument, this research uses normative legal
research with a conceptual and statutory approach. According to this hypothetical research, 1) there are
at least three problems in public participation and affirmative action towards marginalized communities;
First, non-inclusive governance undermines not only the democratic credo, but also the political role of
community citizenship, which has four major dimensions: membership, legal status, rights, and
participation. Second, the government wields power through state institutions, including acts of violence
that result in persecution and criminal activity. Third, the government through state institutions needs to
prioritize political will to present policy products that provide protection to Indigenous peoples. 2) Based
on these issues, the power hierarchy has a significant influence in policy making. Recognizing civic politics
is critical for meaningful participation. The author proposes that in order to improve inclusive governance,
the government's implementation of the FPIC approach allows communities to exercise their fundamental
right to state whether they agree or disagree with a policy that will be implemented in their living space,
ensuring that governance runs smoothly and inclusively.