QUESTIONING LOCAL FOOD SOURCES FOR THE MALIND TRIBE, MERAUKE, PAPUA
The vast, verdant savannah of the Malind Anim lands located in Merauke Regency, the capital of South Papua Province, is an interweaving of the stories and wisdom of its indigenous people. The Malind Anim have devoted countless generations to guarding, protecting, and conserving their beloved locations, viewing these places as sacred expressions of their deep respect for the universe and the cosmic world surrounding them. This enduring commitment reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.
For the Malind Anim Indigenous people, nature and everything in it serve not only as a habitat but also as a place where they can engage in their daily activities and pursue their aspirations as an Indigenous group based on ecocentric principles. Their perspective on the universe emphasizes equality, reflecting a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of natural resources and the essential environmental services they provide.
Recently, the seasonal fluctuations that we recognize as a result of climate change have significantly hindered indigenous peoples in accessing their natural resources, which are critical to meeting their domestic needs, particularly regarding food security.
Indigenous Malind Anim communities are primarily engaged in gathering and farming, relying heavily on their ancestral knowledge to manage food resources following the traditional rules and practices that govern their communities. In this context, the roles of women and men are clearly defined, particularly in the area of food management. Women's groups play an important role in overseeing sago forest areas, which involves everything from the extraction of sago starch to the preparation of various delicious and nutritious dishes. One of the most beloved dishes among the Malind is referred to as "sago sep." This dish features sago combined with ground rat meat or fish sourced from rivers or swamps, along with other ingredients, and is usually grilled to perfection. It serves as a staple food during traditional ceremonies and is also enjoyed as an everyday meal.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) data from the 2024 to 2030 Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) shows Merauke has been officially designated as one of the key areas in the National Strategic Program (PSN), which aims to transform it into a significant agricultural hub or food granary. This ambitious initiative converts around 2 million hectares, or even more, into various agricultural plantations. This will include crops such as sugarcane and rice, as well as the cultivation of oil palm and other important agricultural products. Developing Merauke in this way is expected to play an important role in strengthening food security and increasing agricultural productivity in the region, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth and sustainability of the region.
By focusing on these large-scale agricultural ventures, the government aims to capitalize on the vast potential of Merauke's land resources, thereby driving local and national agricultural development. This massive transformation is likely to have a major impact on natural ecosystems, especially in areas inhabited by hamlets of sago and various root crops that form the staple diet of the Malind Indigenous people. In addition, the development is expected to disrupt the habitat of local wildlife, including tuban (the local term for vole), wallabies, and protected migratory birds, which are an important source of protein for the indigenous population.
The possible impacts of this agricultural expansion raise serious concerns, especially if we fail to prioritize environmental considerations during the planning and implementation stages. If we do not conduct a thorough scientific evaluation of the environmental impacts, we run a great risk of causing considerable ecological damage. This degradation could in turn exacerbate the ongoing climate crisis, potentially causing irreversible damage to our ecosystems. Furthermore, these profound changes could pose several social challenges, stemming from the disruption of traditional lifestyles that have lasted for generations.
Local communities, which rely heavily on natural resources will face significant hardships. The loss of these resources could undermine their livelihoods, culture, and identity, creating a cascading effect that affects not only individual families but also the social fabric of entire communities. Ultimately, the intersection between agricultural growth and environmental stewardship must be carefully navigated to avoid the resulting ecological damage.
Based on the results of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) for 2024 to 2030, the designated PSN areas cover a very large and significant land area. These vast areas are critical to the survival of indigenous peoples, as they cover at least 200,000 hectares that provide important resources and habitats for these communities. In addition, the area contains considerable peatlands, covering at least 60,000 hectares, which play an important role in carbon storage and support unique ecosystems. In addition, the PSN Area contains approximately 500,000 hectares of savannah, a landscape that is not only stunning in its natural beauty but also serves as an important habitat for a variety of endemic species. The preservation and protection of these diverse ecosystems are critical to maintaining the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who depend on them for their livelihoods and traditions.
It is worth noting that more than half of the allocations designated for food areas are in these critical areas, which have considerable environmental, social, and cultural significance. This situation highlights the troubling and increasingly prevalent trend of declining recognition of Indigenous peoples' essential rights and needs. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that these communities maintain access to their traditional local food resources. Such access is not simply a matter of livelihood; it is fundamental to their survival, cultural identity, and the continuation of traditional practices. The preservation of these resources is essential for Indigenous peoples to fully exercise their rights, as recognized in various international frameworks. Without proper recognition and support, there is a significant risk that these communities may face further marginalization and erosion of their cultural heritage, which is inextricably linked to their relationship with their lands and food systems. It is therefore imperative that we address this issue with urgency and commitment, ensuring that the voices of indigenous peoples are heard and respected in discussions about their rights and resources.