Defending Papuan Forests: Standing with Indigenous Auyu in the Struggle for Environmental Justice

Standing with Indigenous Auyu to Defend Papuan Forests

The Plight of the Auyu People

Last June, I had the opportunity to visit the remote settlements of the Auyu People in the West Papua region, just across the border from Papua New Guinea. The village I visited, Yare, is located in Boven Digoel district, which is part of the newly formed province of South Papua. This area is richly forested and is currently facing threats from land grabbing and deforestation by plantation industries. The Auyu people, with the support of Greenpeace Indonesia and other NGOs, have launched legal actions to defend their traditional forest from these destructive activities.

The Journey to Yare Village

The journey to Yare Village was not an easy one. It involved a seven-hour trip by longboat, motorcycle, and motorized canoe known as a ketinting. The village is located in a remote area deep within the West Papua territory. We started our journey from the port town of Tanah Merah and traveled on the Digoel River. We then took a turn into a tributary and made a two-hour motorcycle ride across muddy red dirt roads. Finally, we reached Fofi, where we boarded a small ketinting to travel down the Mappi River to Yare Village.

A Warm Village Greeting

When we arrived at Yare Village, we were greeted with a welcoming dance by the Auyu people. Men and women, adorned in traditional body paint and bird of paradise headdresses, brandished shields and bows as they performed their customary dance. As the Auyu women sang, we were able to understand from the lyrics that the song was created for our visit from Jakarta, highlighting the Auyu people’s need for help in defending their land. It was a poignant moment that revealed the threats hanging over their lands.

The Importance of the Forest to the Auyu People

During our five days in Yare Village, we witnessed the deep connection between the Auyu people and their land. They rely on the forest, rivers, swamps, and other natural resources for their livelihood. The forest is seen as an “eternal bank account” that provides them with everything they need, from food and medicine to traditional clothing and building materials. The Auyu‘s cultural identity is closely intertwined with the forest.

Not only do rainforests play a vital role, but rivers and wetlands also hold great significance in the traditional economy of the Auyu people. They collect water from the rivers or wetlands for cooking, drinking, and showering, stating that it is safe to consume without boiling. This deep connection between the Auyu people and their natural environment makes it all the more devastating that their lands are under threat.

The Fight for Indigenous Land Rights

Yare Village is not the only Indigenous community facing threats from plantation industries. According to a report by Greenpeace International, almost a million hectares of forest land in Papua have been released for plantations since 2000. This puts the livelihood and cultural identity of many Indigenous people at risk.

Supporting the Auyu People

It is crucial that we stand with the Auyu people and support their fight to protect their lands and forests. Indigenous rights and environmental justice go hand in hand. Preserving the forests not only helps to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity but also safeguards the cultural heritage and way of life of Indigenous communities.

Organizations like Greenpeace Indonesia and the Pusaka Bentala Rakyat Foundation are working alongside the Auyu people, providing legal and advocacy support. However, the fight is far from over. Government officials and industry leaders need to recognize the importance of Indigenous land rights and prioritize sustainable practices that protect both the environment and the rights of Indigenous communities.

A Call for Action

As individuals, we can also take action to support Indigenous communities and protect our planet. By raising awareness, supporting environmental organizations, and advocating for Indigenous land rights, we can contribute to positive change.

Furthermore, as consumers, we can make conscious choices that reduce our impact on the environment. By supporting sustainable and transparent supply chains, avoiding products linked to deforestation and land grabbing, and demanding greater transparency from companies, we can exert our influence and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.

The struggle faced by the Auyu people in defending their lands and forests is a reminder of the urgent need to address environmental and social injustices. It is through collective action and a recognition of the interconnectedness of human and environmental rights that we can create a more just and sustainable future for all.

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