Restoring the House of Cenderawasih in the Aru Islands: Djamonaa Raa Customary Forest

PD AMAN Aru, located in the Aru Islands, Maluku, is home to five Indigenous communities: Rebi, Lutur, Ferin Botam, Ngaiguli, and Siya. Located on the southern coast of the Aru Islands, they depend on marine products, non-timber forest products, and traditional crafts for their livelihoods. With the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, PD AMAN Aru accompanies six indigenous communities in fighting for recognition of indigenous territories and restoring indigenous forest ecosystems.

The customary forest restoration program will run from February 1 to June 15, 2024 in several stages, starting from mapping customary areas to planting trees. In the initial stage, participatory mapping was carried out in Fanua Wahangulangula, North Aru. Together with the community, the team determined the boundaries of customary areas using mapping tools and field surveys. The result is the Kola Customary Area Map or Fanua Wahangulangula covering an area of ​​51.086,1 hectares, which is currently in the process of clarifying boundaries with neighboring villages. In addition, socialization was carried out to the community and a forest boundary survey was carried out to clarify customary forest governance. Clarification of the boundaries between Natapen Ngaiguli and Fatural Village and Feruni Village, as well as Nata Rebi and Lutur Village, is also part of the process.

The entire process carried out in participatory mapping is expected to strengthen Indigenous Peoples' understanding of their territory while preventing potential boundary conflicts in the future. With clear boundaries, efforts to protect forests from the threat of destruction can be carried out more effectively.

The next stage is reforestation in the Nata Rebi Customary Forest, “Djamonaa Raa,” which was damaged by illegal logging. To restore the forest ecosystem, the indigenous community planted around 200 long-term tree seedlings such as cloves, nutmeg, and various types of fruit trees. In addition to restoring forest cover and flora and fauna habitat, the planted trees also become an economic source for the community and a food provider for fruit-eating animals. These animals, including the Cenderawasih bird, will spread seeds throughout the forest, helping to regenerate forest cover naturally.

The Djamonaa Raa customary forest is one of the important habitats for birds of paradise outside Papua. The forest canopy provides an ideal space for birds of paradise to shelter and forage. Planting trees in the Djamonaa Raa customary forest not only restores the ecosystem, but also ensures the survival of endemic species that are increasingly threatened. With the restoration of the forest ecosystem, birds of paradise can breed more freely and maintain their function in the natural ecological chain of the forest.

Sustainable customary forests, including Djamonaa Raa which is currently in the process of recovery, not only maintain the ecosystem but also preserve cultural values ​​that have been passed down from generation to generation, such as knowledge of medicinal plants and sustainable agricultural techniques. For flora, fauna, and indigenous communities, customary forests are an irreplaceable shared home.