From Maps to Protection: Efforts of the Agabag and Tidung Indigenous Peoples to Protect Living Space in Nunukan, North Kalimantan

The Agabag Indigenous Community of Lumbis Ogong Pagun Sikagin Tungalin of Tukulon Village and the Lumbis Ogong Pagun Andisun Antabun Indigenous Community of Ubol Alung Village as well as the Tidung Indigenous Community of Mansalong Village are located in Lumbis District, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan. In terms of protecting customary territories, the Agabag Indigenous Community in Tukulon Village and the Tidung Indigenous Community live side by side in conflict with palm oil companies. Meanwhile, the Agabag Indigenous Community in Mansalong Village, which borders Malaysia, needs legal legitimacy for the protection of its customary territories, customary forests, and historical sites. They also face the challenge of low interest among the younger generation in preserving their cultural values ​​and local wisdom amidst the flow of modernization. In addition, the younger generation is also starting to lose understanding of local knowledge that has long been an important part of the lives of indigenous communities.

Seeing this situation, the three Indigenous Communities then promoted a Participatory Mapping initiative involving the younger generation and compiling social profiles and data in their respective Indigenous territories. The goal was to clarify the boundaries of Indigenous Territories and to determine the extent and potential livelihood resources within those territories.

In addition, this Participatory Mapping of Customary Areas is also beneficial for the Agabag Lumbis Ogong Pagun Sikagin Tungalin Indigenous Community of Tukulon Village, the Lumbis Ogong Pagun Andisun Antabun Indigenous Community of Ubol Alung Village and the Tidung Mansalong Indigenous Community of Mansalong Village to submit proposals for the Determination, Recognition, and Protection of the Agabag Lumbis Ogong Indigenous Community through a Decree (SK) of the Regent of Nunukan. In the long term, if this SK is issued, it will reduce or minimize Agrarian conflicts in Non-Areas and in Forest Areas in the future, and can provide Legal standing for the Agabag Lumbis Ogong Indigenous Community in the future.

This initiative has successfully mapped 15.397 hectares of these three customary areas, resulting in the protection of 61.532 hectares. It has also increased the involvement of various elements of the customary community, such as traditional leaders, women, and youth, to collectively encourage active participation and a sense of ownership of the customary areas, as well as strengthen communication and understanding among the customary communities to sustainably protect and manage their customary areas.