Protect Indigenous Cultures, Save Forests in Bangka Belitung Islands (bahasa Indonesia)

This story excerpt was translated from bahasa Indonesia. To read the original story in full, visit Mongabay. You may also view the original story on the Rainforest Journalism Fund website here. Our RJF website is available in English, Spanish, bahasa Indonesia, French, and Portuguese.

Most of the people living around the hills and coasts of the Bangka Belitung Islands are indigenous people. For example, the Mapur Tribe, the Jerieng Tribe, the Sawang Tribe, the Sekak Tribe, and various other Malay tribes. Their existence must be recognized and protected, so that the forests and seas in these islands can be restored and conserved.

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"The Mapur Tribe, one of the indigenous peoples of the old Malay Tribe in the Bangka Belitung Islands who lost their forests. Many indigenous peoples from the old Malay Tribe in this province have the same fate as the Mapur Tribe," said Jessix Amundian, Director of Walhi [Wahana Lingkungan Lingkungan Indonesia] Bangka Belitung Islands, late February 2022.

For example, the Jerieng Tribe who live around Bukit Penyabung [300 meters], spread across 13 villages; Pelangas, Kundi, Mayang, Paradong, Air Nyatoh, Beaver, Rambat, Simpang Gong, Simpang Tiga, Ibul, Pangek, Bukit Terak, and Menduyung Water [West Bangka Regency].