Seven Indigenous sub-groups from South Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua Province, have officially submitted documents proposing the recognition of customary forests to the Chair of Committee II of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI). Among them are the Nakim Onim Fayas and Tehit Mlaqya sub-groups, which previously received recognition of their customary territories from the local government.
This submission marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle of Indigenous communities to gain formal recognition of their ancestral forests. The documents will serve as the basis for accelerating the issuance of a ministerial decree (SK Hutan Adat) by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The process is not merely administrative, but also a matter of historical justice and state acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples in Tanah Papua.
For Papuans, forests are a vital source of life—providing food, water, traditional medicine, and serving as a foundation for cultural identity and spiritual practices. Customary forests are not just landscapes, but sacred inheritances that shape Indigenous ways of life and value systems.
Despite their significance, customary forests continue to face pressure from large-scale industrial permits and land-use expansion. Without formal legal recognition, Indigenous communities remain vulnerable to deforestation and exploitation. The issuance of customary forest decrees provides a legal foundation for Indigenous peoples to manage and protect their forests independently, based on traditional knowledge and governance.
Recognizing customary forests is an essential step toward honoring Indigenous rights, preserving ecological balance, and promoting environmental justice in Tanah Papua.
Text & Photos: Megan Alexis
