Indonesia Expat
Featured News

Capital Move will Affect Indigenous People of Kalimantan

Dayak

According to several human rights groups, indigenous people may be uprooted from their ancestral land in Borneo island to make way for Indonesia’s new capital.

Last week, President Joko Widodo confirmed that the new capital would be moved to the province of East Kalimantan in Borneo, as Jakarta is currently experiencing massive congestion and is also sinking. Meanwhile, Borneo offers a healthier environment with its forests and wildlife.

According to advocacy group Minority Rights Group International (MRGI), indigenous people of Kalimantan, the Dayaks, have struggled to protect their traditional land and forests from logging, mining, and palm oil plantations.

“The Dayaks have been persistent victims of environmental degradation, and this move would physically destroy more of their environment,” said Joshua Castellino, MRGI’s Executive Director.

“The abandonment of Jakarta due to pollution and overcrowding is hardly an endorsement for a move into someone else’s backyard where the same will likely occur. There must be a wide consultation to understand the impact,” he added.

While President Joko Widodo is currently conducting a feasibility study, the indigenous people of Kalimantan have not been consulted. They might lose their lands and livelihood, as the people have lived there for generations.

Source: Channel News Asia
Image: Beritagar

See: Eheng: A Journey to the Dayak Afterlife

Related posts

Trump Takes On Tanah Lot

Aruna Harjani

Nine Don’ts When Travelling in Bali

Indonesia Expat

12 Tips for Playing Golf with a Caddie in Indonesia

Karen

How to Have Your Own Car Without Owning a Car

Indonesia Expat

Accident Rate Over Eid Homecoming Reduced by 88%

Indonesia Expat

Meet Rebecca Riley

Gabriella Panjaitan