POV Webinar Highlights Indigenous Communities' Role in Environmental Conservation

 Indonesia, March 30, 2025 – The Power of Voice (POV) Community successfully held a webinar titled "Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice" on Sunday (30/3). The event featured academics, activists, and NGOs working in environmental preservation to discuss the strong connection between Indigenous communities and nature, as well as the importance of Indigenous knowledge in conservation. POV was initiated by Lucia Damanik in collaboration with PMKRI National Board (Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Katolik Republik Indonesia), PMKRI Medan, IYTC (International Youth Training Centre), and IMCS (International Movement of Catholic Students) Pax Romana.

During the discussion, Rocky Pasaribu, Program Manager of KSPPM (Kelompok Studi dan Pengembangan Prakarsa Masyarakat) and an Indigenous rights advocate, revealed that 62.5% of forests managed by Indigenous communities remain well-preserved, unlike state-managed forests that have experienced significant deforestation. He emphasized that Indigenous peoples have a spiritual connection with nature, driving sustainable conservation practices. However, major challenges remain, including the criminalization of Indigenous communities defending their lands. "The state often sees forests merely as economic resources without considering the rights of Indigenous communities who have protected these lands for centuries," Rocky stated.

Meanwhile, Cyprianus Lilik Krismantoro Putro, a representative from the Laudato Si Movement Indonesia, discussed the importance of Indigenous knowledge and institutions in conservation efforts, highlighting examples from various cultures. He also touched on the potential of technology, such as blockchain, in supporting conservation. "Technology can be a protective tool for Indigenous communities facing land-grabbing threats," he said.

Lucia Damanik added that youth involvement in environmental advocacy is crucial. "Young people can contribute by adopting sustainable lifestyles and conducting public awareness campaigns," she said.

Rosramadhana Nasution, an anthropology lecturer, highlighted the role of Indigenous women in environmental and cultural sustainability. "Indigenous women are often at the forefront of defending their territories from land exploitation. A gender-based approach must be strengthened in conservation policies," she explained.

Mario Mere, Chairperson of the Ecology and Indigenous Communities Department in PMKRI emphasized that student organizations can serve as bridges between Indigenous communities and the academic world. "Students should be more active in raising public awareness and building strong advocacy networks," he stated.

The webinar resulted in several key recommendations:

• The government is urged to review policies related to the criminalization of Indigenous communities and expedite regulations for Indigenous rights protection.

• Organizations, communities, and NGOs engaged in environmental work are encouraged to partner with Indigenous communities to develop community-based forest management models.

• Youth are called to be more active in cultural and environmental conservation movements through campaigns and community initiatives.

POV Community, along with partners such as IMCS, IYTC, and PMKRI Medan, is committed to continuously advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability through programs and cross-sector collaborations. This discussion is expected to spark concrete actions in the fight for environmental justice and Indigenous rights in Indonesia.

In Bahasa Indonesia

Webinar POV Soroti Peran Masyarakat Adat dalam Konservasi Lingkungan

Indonesia, 30 Maret 2025 – Komunitas POV (Power of Voice) sukses menggelar webinar bertajuk "Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice" pada Minggu (30/3). Acara ini menghadirkan akademisi, aktivis, serta NGO yang bergerak di bidang pelestarian lingungan untuk membahas keterkaitan erat antara masyarakat adat dan lingkungan, serta pentingnya pengetahuan adat dalam konservasi. POV diinisiasi oleh Lucia Damanik berkolaborasi dengan PMKRI Pengurus Pusat (Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Katolik Republik Indonesia), PMKRI Medan, IYTC (International Youth Training Centre), IMCS (International Movement of Catholic Student) Pax Romana.

Dalam diskusi yang berlangsung, Rocky Pasaribu, Manajer Program KSPPM (Kelompok Studi dan Pengembangan Prakarsa Masyarakat) seklaigus advokat hak adat, mengungkapkan bahwa 62,5% hutan yang dikelola oleh masyarakat adat tetap terjaga dengan baik, berbeda dengan hutan di bawah pengelolaan negara yang mengalami deforestasi signifikan. Ia menekankan bahwa masyarakat adat memiliki hubungan spiritual dengan alam yang mendorong praktik konservasi berkelanjutan. Namun, tantangan besar masih dihadapi, termasuk kriminalisasi terhadap masyarakat adat yang mempertahankan tanahnya. "Negara sering kali melihat hutan sebagai sumber daya ekonomi semata, tanpa mempertimbangkan hak-hak masyarakat adat yang telah menjaga hutan selama ratusan tahun," ujar Rocky.

Sementara itu, Cyprianus Lilik Krismantoro Putro, yang bergerak dalam Laudato Si Movement Indonesia, membahas pentingnya pengetahuan adat dan lembaga adat dalam upaya konservasi, menyoroti contoh-contoh dari berbagai budaya. Dia juga menyentuh potensi teknologi, seperti blockchain, dalam mendukung konservasi. "Teknologi dapat menjadi alat perlindungan bagi masyarakat adat dalam menghadapi ancaman perampasan lahan," katanya.

Lucia Damanik menambahkan bahwa keterlibatan generasi muda dalam advokasi lingkungan sangat krusial. "Anak muda bisa berperan dengan mengadopsi gaya hidup berkelanjutan dan melakukan kampanye kesadaran publik," ujarnya.

Rosramadhana Nasution, dosen antropologi, menyoroti peran perempuan adat dalam keberlanjutan lingkungan dan budaya. "Perempuan adat sering kali menjadi pemimpin dalam mempertahankan wilayah adat mereka dari eksploitasi lahan. Pendekatan berbasis gender harus diperkuat dalam kebijakan konservasi," jelasnya.

Mario Mere, Ketua Lembaga Ekologi dan Masyarakat Adat PP PMKRI menekankan bahwa organisasi mahasiswa dapat menjadi jembatan antara masyarakat adat dan komunitas akademik. "Mahasiswa harus lebih aktif dalam meningkatkan kesadaran publik serta membangun jaringan advokasi yang kuat," katanya.

Webinar ini menghasilkan beberapa rekomendasi penting:

• Pemerintah diminta meninjau kembali kebijakan terkait kriminalisasi masyarakat adat dan mempercepat regulasi perlindungan hak-hak adat.
• Organisasi, komunitas ataupun NGO yang bergerak dibidang lingkungan didorong untuk bermitra dengan masyarakat adat dalam mengembangkan model pengelolaan hutan berbasis komunitas.
• Kaum muda diajak lebih aktif dalam gerakan pelestarian budaya dan lingkungan melalui kampanye serta inisiatif komunitas.

Komunitas POV bersama mitra seperti IMCS, IYTC, dan PMKRI Medan berkomitmen untuk terus memperjuangkan hak masyarakat adat serta keberlanjutan lingkungan melalui program dan kolaborasi lintas sektor. Diskusi ini diharapkan menjadi pemicu aksi nyata dalam memperjuangkan keadilan lingkungan dan hak-hak masyarakat adat di Indonesia.