Protecting Papua: Papuan Indigenous Communities vs Deforestation

The once lush green forests of Indonesia are slowly disappearing due to deforestation. Now, the only remaining intact forest is located in Papua. The rainforest of Papua that stretches across half of New Guinea, a neighbour of Indonesia, is a significant biodiversity hotspot. It is also home to 1.46 million lives of indigenous Papuans (International Labour Organization 1). However, this once green haven for the living has become a nightmare.

Little by little, deforestation gnaws on the number of trees in Papua. Deforestation, legally or illegally, costs the environment and affects the lives of indigenous groups. The well-being of indigenous groups is significantly affected due to their interdependence towards the forest. The forest is a source of subsistence and is considered sacred to the local groups of Papua. As restlessness from the threat of deforestation continues to haunt their lives, these communities will not stay silent to protect the forest. To protect their lives.

Local tribes such as the Kna, Saifi, Imian, Ogit, Srer, and Salmiet Klawsa have taken action to continue protecting the Papuan forest from deforestation (Roffe). Their lives were severely affected when their rightful land in the Southwest Papua province was destroyed by illegal logging. However, through the Knasaimos Indigenous People Fellowship, an organisation of the Knasaimos people, and their continuous efforts since 2009, they have gained legal recognition over their ancestral land that extends as far as 97,411 hectares. By gaining legal recognition, these tribes can fully manage their lands and their resources, as well as protect them from industrial exploitation.

Bibliography

International Labour Organization. “Unlocking the Potentials of Indigenous Papuans.” ILO Jakarta Newsletter Special Edition PIPE Programme, Jan. 2009, pp. 1–2, www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@asia/@ro-bangkok/@ilo-jakarta/documents/publication/wcms_125574.pdf. Accessed 6 May 2025.

Roffe, Caroline. “Historic Land Rights Wins in Southwest Papua for Indigenous Peoples • the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.” The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, 21 Aug. 2024, www.packard.org/insights/grantee-story/historic-land-rights-wins-in-southwest-papua-for-indigenous-peoples/?cn-reloaded=1. Accessed 6 May 2025.