Antara Hutan, Masyarakat Adat dan Perusahaan #DefendingParadise

Summary

The Moi tribe of West Papua holds a deep philosophical connection to their forest, known as 'Tam Sini,' which signifies sustenance and a link to their hearts, especially for women who rely on it daily. As the largest indigenous group in Sorong Regency, they see the forest as a mother figure. Despite the land being threatened by palm oil companies, the Moi people successfully had 346,000 hectares of concessions revoked in 2021. However, legal battles continue as they fight to preserve their way of life, emphasizing that they can thrive without palm oil but not without their forest, a belief rooted in their Tam Sini philosophy.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The Moi tribe has a deep philosophical connection with the forest, viewing it as inseparable from the land and valuable for their livelihood.
• ❤️ The concept of 'Tam Sini' is central to the Moi tribe, symbolizing a heart-felt connection and a sense of sustenance, especially significant for women who gather resources from the forest.
• 👩 Moi women play a crucial role in maintaining the tribe's connection with the forest, as they are the primary gatherers of food and resources.
• 🏞️ The Moi tribe, the largest indigenous group in Sorong Regency, considers the forest as the 'Mother', providing for their needs and sustaining their way of life.
• 🍃 'Tam Sini' also implies the idea of sustainability, highlighting the Moi people's dependence on the forest for their survival.
• 📊 The Moi tribe's land faces threats from palm oil companies, which poses a serious risk to their traditional way of life and the forest's integrity.
• 🏛️ In 2021, the local government revoked concession permits of 13 companies, signaling a protective stance towards the land and the Moi people's rights.
• 📉 The revoked land area totaled 346,000 hectares, a significant victory for the Moi tribe and environmental conservation efforts.
• ⚖️ Legal battles ensued as companies with revoked permits appealed the decision, indicating ongoing struggles for land rights and environmental protection.
• 🌱 The Moi tribe emphasizes that they can thrive without palm oil but not without their forest, underlining the irreplaceable value of their natural environment.
• 🤝 The script calls for unity and collective action to protect the land, urging support from those outside the Moi community to join in the conservation efforts.

Q & A

What is the philosophical view of the Moi people towards forests and land?

The Moi people hold a philosophical view called 'Tam Sini,' which signifies a deep connection and attachment to the forest and land, especially for women, who are the primary gatherers and caretakers of these resources.

Why are women particularly connected to the forest in the Moi tribe?

Women in the Moi tribe are connected to the forest because they are the ones who go to the forest daily to gather vegetables, clean water, firewood, and fish, which parallels the nurturing role of mothers in providing for the tribe's sustenance.

What does the term 'Tam Sini' mean in the context of the Moi tribe?

'Tam Sini' in the Moi tribe's language refers to the concept of feeding food, which symbolizes the idea of sustainability and the tribe's complete dependence on the forest for their livelihoods.

What is the Moi tribe's status as an indigenous group in West Papua Province?

The Moi tribe is the largest indigenous tribe in Sorong Regency, West Papua Province, and they consider the forest as their 'Mother,' highlighting the integral role of forests in their culture and survival.

How are other tribes in Tanah Papua and Maluku Islands related to the Moi tribe's views on forests?

Like the Moi tribe, other tribes in Tanah Papua and Maluku Islands also have a deep dependency on the forest for their livelihoods and share similar views on the importance of forest conservation for their survival.

What threat is the Moi People's land facing from external entities?

The land of the Moi People is under threat from palm oil companies, which pose a risk to their way of life and the sustainability of their environment.

What actions did the local government take in 2021 regarding the concessions of palm oil companies?

In 2021, the local government revoked concession permits of 13 companies and reduced the areas indicated in the permits for 3 companies in various regions, totaling 346,000 hectares of land.

What legal actions were taken by the companies whose concessions were revoked?

Three companies with revoked concession permits filed appeals and sued the Regent of Sorong to the Jayapura State Administrative Court (PTUN) in August 2021.

What was the outcome of the legal suits filed by the companies?

The Jayapura Administrative Court rejected the arguments in the legal suits on 7 December 2021 and 12 January 2022.

Are there any ongoing legal disputes related to the revoked concessions?

Yes, there are two more companies that have filed lawsuits against the Regent of South Sorong to the Jayapura Administrative Court.

What is the Moi tribe's stance on the necessity of protecting forests compared to palm oil?

The Moi tribe strongly believes in their 'Tam Sini' philosophy and asserts that they can live without palm oil but not without their forest, which has been their means of survival for thousands of years.

How does the Moi tribe view the relationship between the forest and their identity?

The Moi tribe feels that the forest is something deeply attached to their hearts and their identity, and they believe that protecting the forest is crucial for preserving their culture and way of life.