In the lush, biodiverse heart of Halmahera Island, Indonesia, an ancient way of life is under threat. The O Hongana Manyawa, a nomadic forest people, have lived in this rainforest for generations, their existence inextricably linked to the land. They are one of the last few remaining uncontacted Indigenous groups in the country, and their…
Tag: Critical Mineral
Not Just Waves to Be Counted
I was born on an island that barely makes it onto your maps. Not that I’m offended. In fact, I am super proud of that. After all, your satellites were built to track typhoons and shipping routes, not to notice small Indigenous fishing communities sitting quietly on coral reefs, weaving nets from coconut husks and…
From the Forest to the Frontline: Why Indonesia’s Indigenous Peoples Must Lead
The Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) was founded in Jakarta, 17th March 1999. The date also marked the first Indigenous Peoples Awakening Day which now being commemorated annually. My tribe is member of this organisation. I have walked the dirt paths of many Indigenous villages in Indonesia. I have sat cross-legged inside the…