Strengthening the Ranks Against Criminalization: Paralegal Training and Neya Customary School in West Kotawaringin

Six Indigenous Peoples communities in West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, continue to fight to defend their customary rights and territories amidst threats from corporate expansion and government policies that often trigger conflicts and limit access to natural resources. These communities include the Sungai Cabang Indigenous Community in Sungai Cabang Village, the Sungai Batu Indigenous Community in Kubu Village, the Sekayu Darat Indigenous Community in Tempayung Village, the Sabuai Indigenous Community in East Sabuai Village, the Rungun Indigenous Community in Rungun Village, and the Arut Indigenous Community in Pangkut Village.

Indigenous communities in West Kotawaringin are vulnerable to criminalization by plantation and mining companies operating in their customary areas. From accusations of theft to criminalization of farmers haunting them, more or less this is due to the lack of legal understanding at the community level.

In addition, national strategic projects and the designation of some customary areas as protected forests further narrow the living space of communities that depend on agriculture, farming, plantations, and hunting for their livelihoods. Another threat comes from the massive expansion of the mining and plantation industries that not only damage customary areas but also eliminate historical cultural sites, which are part of the identity of indigenous communities.

These six communities also took a stand. The Indigenous Communities of West Kotawaringin initiated a community-based legal education program through Paralegal Training and Strengthening of Customary Schools to strengthen their capacity to defend their customary rights and territories.

Paralegal training was conducted in May–June 2024 in six locations, with a total of 154 participants. This program received full support from the Regional Management of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) West Kotawaringin, which also provides assistance in legal advocacy and protection of customary rights.

The main objective of this training is to produce community paralegals who are able to provide initial assistance to legal problems and become a liaison between the community and advocacy institutions. In addition, by being legally literate, Indigenous Peoples will be stronger in facing the potential for criminalization which is often used as a tool to weaken their movements. With participatory methods such as discussions, simulations, and screenings of documentary films on legal cases, this training not only equips participants with theory, but also builds stronger networks between indigenous communities and advocacy institutions.

Through joint deliberation, eight community paralegals were selected to receive further training to strengthen their capacity in handling legal cases frequently faced by Indigenous Peoples. After the training, legal discussions at the community level also became more active, reflecting the increasing legal awareness among Indigenous Peoples.

In addition to paralegal education, the Kotawaringin Barat Indigenous Community also strengthens the Neya Traditional School as a stronghold of local culture and knowledge. Various steps have been taken to improve the quality of traditional education, such as improving teaching and learning facilities, increasing the number of teachers, and developing learning methods. After the strengthening, the Neya Traditional School is now increasingly attracting public interest, as reflected in the increasing number of students.

This legal education and strengthening of traditional schools initiative has created a wider discussion space and built solidarity between communities. Six Indigenous communities in West Kotawaringin are now increasingly sharing information and experiences, which are valuable capital in formulating advocacy strategies to face challenges in their traditional areas in the future.