InfoSAWIT, SEKADAU – An important step in environmental preservation has been achieved with the declaration of Indigenous Forest in Nanga Pemubuh Village, Sekadau Hulu District, Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan. This declaration was signed by the Regent of Sekadau, Aron, as a recognition of the Indigenous People's rights to forest management.
The Indigenous Forest 'Rimba Kobar,' officially designated at 268 hectares, is the result of collaboration between the Nanga Pemubuh Village Government, Sekadau Regency Government, the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS) Sekadau, Indigenous Communities, and Kaoem Telapak. The existence of this forest is recognized as part of conservation efforts and climate change mitigation, as well as maintaining the source of livelihood for the Dayak Kerabat and Dayak Benawas indigenous communities.
Regent Aron stated that the recognition of the Rimba Kobar Indigenous Forest is a significant step forward in preserving the environment while also improving community welfare. "This adds to Sekadau Regency's success in efforts to preserve and protect forests. In the future, we will continue to support similar initiatives to ensure more forest areas are protected and benefit the surrounding communities," he said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (March 5, 2025).
For Indigenous Communities, Indigenous Forest or 'Tembawang' holds high ecological and economic value. The Rimba Kobar forest is rich in non-timber forest products (HHBK), such as cempedak, petai, 'buah mak' (sawo), kedondong, rambutan, and various medicinal plants and natural spices. Additionally, the forest serves as a 'water fortress' that maintains the availability of clean water for the village. Without the forest, the rivers around the village are at risk of pollution and drying up.
The Head of Nanga Pemubuh Village, Lorensius Leli, emphasized the importance of preserving the forest as a legacy for future generations. "By designating this forest as an Indigenous forest, we are fulfilling our ancestors' mandate to protect the forest and not convert it into palm oil plantations. If the forest is preserved, we are also saving the world, as forests are the lungs of the earth," he stated.
SPKS Sekadau and Kaoem Telapak played a crucial role in this declaration process through area mapping, social dialogue, and the drafting of village regulations as the legal basis for recognizing the Indigenous Forest. The Chairman of SPKS Sekadau, Mohtar, emphasized that palm oil farmers also have an interest in preserving the forest. "As palm oil farmers and part of Indigenous Communities, we want to protect our ancestral heritage. The establishment of this Indigenous forest proves that farmers also play an active role in environmental preservation."
President of Kaoem Telapak, Mardi Minangsari, hopes that this success can inspire other regions to recognize and protect Indigenous forests. "We will continue to support the recognition of Indigenous People's rights in forest management, so that nature's preservation remains intact for future generations," he said.
The declaration of the Rimba Kobar Indigenous Forest serves as a tangible example of synergy between the government, Indigenous communities, and environmental organizations in preserving ecosystems and achieving sustainable development. (T2)
