Indigenous Communities to Protect Malinau’s Agarwood from Illegal Logging

KBRN, Malinau: Over the past four years, illegal agarwood harvesting and unauthorized logging have posed a severe threat to village forests in Malinau Selatan Hulu Subdistrict and Sungai Tubu Subdistrict, North Kalimantan.

In response, Indigenous communities have taken decisive action to protect their increasingly endangered habitats.

Unregulated harvesting of agarwood, a highly valued timber, is being carried out by irresponsible individuals with no benefit to the local population.

The practice not only harms the fragile forest ecosystem but also eliminates a vital economic resource for indigenous communities.

Yahya, Traditional Chief of Pelencau Village, emphasized that the forest is more than just a resource—it is a legacy passed down through generations. "If the forest is not protected, we will lose our source of livelihood as well," he stated.

The destruction caused by illegal logging extends beyond deforestation, severely disrupting river flows and endangering the habitats of endemic species.

Concern among residents reached a boiling point when a group of women from Long Jalan Village confronted a band of agarwood poachers attempting to enter the forest.

Nine Villages Sign Agreement to Strengthen Forest Protection

Nine Malinau Selatan Hulu and Sungai Tubu villages have signed a Joint Village Chief Regulation (Permakades) to safeguard their customary forests.

The agreement is a direct response to the escalating environmental destruction caused by illegal logging and agarwood poaching, which rob communities of their natural resources.

Under Permakades, severe traditional penalties are imposed on offenders engaging in unauthorized logging, agarwood harvesting, or fish poisoning in local rivers.

The regulation applies to nine villages within the Malinau River Basin Area (DAS): Long Jalan, Long Lake, Pelencau, Nahakeramo Baru, Metut, Tanjung Nanga, Punan Mirau, Long Nyau, and Long Pada. In severe cases, violators may also be reported to law enforcement authorities.

Community-Led Conservation Efforts

Roni Kirut, Chief of Long Pada Village, emphasized that Permakades represents a collective commitment to preserving their ancestral heritage. "We are the ones who know best how to protect this forest, and it belongs to all of us," he affirmed.

In addition to signing joint regulations, the communities have established patrol teams, launched agarwood seedling replanting initiatives, and intensified enforcement measures against violators.

These efforts aim to ensure the sustainability of the forests and safeguard natural resources for future generations. ***

Translator: Misni Parjiati

Editor: Lasti Martina