Indigenous Dayak community makes strides on Borneo toward forest autonomy

In Mekar Raya, Indonesia, the Dayak Simpan Indigenous society is seeking semi-autonomous control of their forest through the national social forestry program. They aim to protect sacred areas and resist palm oil industry encroachment. The community must navigate complex bureaucracy to merge traditional customs with state regulations. By gaining control of their forest, they hope to sustainably manage resources, promote local economic development, and preserve their cultural heritage. The process involves documenting customary rules and submitting business plans for nontimber forest products and services.

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