founder_ydm Our Commitment to the Imo Sanggase Tribe
Initial Steps to Safeguard Ancestral Identity
In Sanggase Village, Okaba District, Merauke Regency, unrest is escalating among the Imo Sanggase Tribe due to the Food Estate Program, which threatens their land. This initiative aims to use up to 2.5 million hectares for rice and sugarcane farming, raising concerns about potential land loss and the erosion of their tribal identity.
The Imo Sanggase customary territory is vital for the tribe’s traditions, featuring six sacred sites. Losing this land would mean losing not only their space but also their rich cultural heritage.
Customary Territory Mapping Initiative
In response, the indigenous people, led by elders from the Gebze and Mahuze clans, are mapping their territory. This two-day meeting highlighted the importance of defining boundaries, identifying resources, and documenting sacred sites. Maryo S. Sanuddin from the EcoNusa Foundation supports this initiative, emphasizing that the mapping document is crucial for defending their rights.
