Comprising over 90 percent of forint cover in Indonesia, the western Papua region is also considered as the conservation province. However, the danger of deforestation and indigenous communities’ rights are hardly recognized. In 2021, West Papua native community land rights were approved. But how does it affect environmental preservation?
The Customary Land Rights Recognition In 2021
In 2021, environmental NGOs have decided to recognize customary land rights. The decision was made after the head of Sorong Regency, Johny Kamuru, issued the particular decree. It was said that the decree highlights the recognition of indigenous people of Gelek Malak Kalawilis Pasa over the land and forest rights in the Sayosa sub-district (rnz.co.nz).
The decree recognition opens new possibilities in declining the 3,47-hectare land proposed by oil palm producers, Greenpeace Indonesia. The landmark victory is not only for indigenous people of a certain tribe, but it also opens bigger potentials to encourage better environmental preservation. One of the effects comes from the revoking permits for dozens of palm oil companies.
In this case, Johny Kamuru also highlighted that the cancellation permit for palm oil concession and recognition of land right permission will lead to better traditional preservation and local economy. At the same time, the West Papua land in dispute belongs to the Moi people. It means that the 250 ethnic groups in Papua have the right to its lush green forest area.
Why People Fighting for Land rights
But what makes the land rights need a very long journey to get recognized? One of the many problems is the challenge of preservation and conservation in the Cendrawasih head province. The extensive forest of Papua and the western Papua province has become the focus of international conservation efforts.
However, the conservation efforts do come with risks to repeat past mistakes. One of them is indigenous people lost the sovereignty of the land. The local communities were derived from the land’s rich nature, mines, and forest products. Not only that, but the region is also under huge pressure to accelerate socio-economic development.
Under the two pressing circumstances, the native community should face a range of dangers. It includes the no land uses permit due to the several types of the conservation movement. The establishment of west Papua conservation areas eventually restricted the local livelihoods and land uses, which severely affected the local economic community.
There is also a problem with natural exploitation in the region. Due to the huge diversity and forest cover, the province has to face the perils of deforestation. One of the reasons is the oil palm development. That was proposed to push the local and Indonesian economy. Unfortunately, the area covers the inheritance land of the 250 local tribes under the development areas.
Another issue that makes people want customary land rights is the limited and low market prices for commodities. The region’s diversity can produce a range of products. However, there are chances that local products such as nutmeg varieties are undervalued. The native plant is commercially grown in Fakfak, but the low value also plays a role in local poverty.
The Functions And Roles In Environmental Preservation
The idea of customary land rights has been part of the discussion from the local and central governments. Since it turned into a conservation province, Indonesia tried to increase West Papua’s local economy and lift the poverty status. That is why it partakes in the oil palm development. However, the function of land rights comes with tons of possibilities.
1. adequate conservation
The customary land rights can help improve the value and markets for the local forest production. It is a crucial point since the province is currently growing. The tourism and conservation method can also operate by the local wisdom for the preservation process. It means both locals and the establishment will have adequate benefits.
When strict conservation is necessary, both sides can distribute in actions. The land rights did not purposely hinder the preservation efforts, it only pinpoints the rights and less restriction. The customary land rights might not have significant changes in deforestation and forest degradation issues. However, conservation establishment can be less impeding on local likelihood.
2. Oil palm and sustainable local industries
The good news is the West Papua oil palm permit cancellation can help support the local preservation and rights. The rights can give support to the local community to develop profitable and sustainable industries. It includes an increase in the market and local manufacturing values. Thus, it also encourages health and education development along with other infrastructural growth.
When taking the land rights ideas as one of the indigenous privileges, the region’s preservation and condition will likely depend on the local communities. It has a positive effect on the land and province, especially for conservation and local economic empowerment. However, it might not be the only way to help since local and central governments need to work together.
