After gaining independence in 1945, the native people of Indonesia have never stopped fighting for equality in their own nation. Millions of people are seen as “dirty” or “underdeveloped” which therefore makes them underrepresented. They also have often faced oppression from their country’s own leadership in order to follow an economic focused agenda. 

One major focus of the Marind-Anim Indigenous Peoples in Merauke Regency is to care for the forest, respect plants and animals, and generally nourish their natural environment. After fighting for years to end mining and large plantations on lands meant for forestry, the 4th Amendment of their 1945 Constitution, established in 2000, acknowledged the Indigenous peoples’ traditions. 

Many Indigenous peoples still utilizing traditional knowledge have been able to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic much better than others as well. They don’t exploit resources and have the desire to share. However, many more modernized individuals are not supported in terms of employment and food security. 

Learn more about the fight for equality and struggles of Indigenous peoples in Indonesia at Asia Pacific Report.