“I think the government should ask us if we need the mine. I think when we say no, the government shouldn’t tell us to get out of here.” – Korok, Year of Weeds.
This sentence at least makes me more convinced, the freedom to manage natural resources for indigenous peoples is very important. We understand very well, the involvement of indigenous peoples in their land and environment is increasingly marginalized. The many agrarian conflicts and land grabbing of indigenous peoples today are real evidence, that the narrative of land for the people is just empty talk.
The book Tahun Penuh Malma clearly describes how the struggle of indigenous people to defend their land requires great struggle and sacrifice. It tells the story of Korok, a teenager from the Gondi Tribe, who works as a gardener in one of the houses of a relocating official. His father was arrested by the police, accused of stealing wood in the forest, and named a suspect even though there was no evidence or valid verdict.
One day, Korok and Anchita – the daughter of a relocation official – heard news that Devi Hill, a sacred place guarded by the Gondi Tribe, would be turned into a mining area. This was seen from the natural potential of Devi Hill which is rich in bauxite mineral content.
This plan is also supported by the government and local police. They work together to forcibly evict the Gondi tribe by promising relocation land and will employ Gondi people in the mining area later. According to the government, this will benefit the Gondi tribe.
The indigenous Gondi people clearly rejected it, especially Korok. As someone who has lived in the Gondi tribe since childhood, Korok felt that this plan was not a good thing. The Gondi tribe already has its own wealth through their natural resources and local wisdom. They have many plants that can be used as herbal medicine.
Having a river flowing from the hills, the Gondi tribe can drink, bathe, and get fish for side dishes. Also, they have many forests with various pen (believed to be the guardian deity of the forest) and other sacred places.
The Gondi tribe does not need to buy food from outside, because nature has provided it abundantly. This condition is what Korok feels is unfair, if they are forced to lose the wealth of natural resources and are moved to another place. Korok decided to fight and join the protest.
However, through local security forces, and of course through orders from the government, the Gondi tribe had to experience violence and criminalization. They were beaten and eventually arrested because they were considered rebels. Both the company, the government, and the security forces, all agreed to carry out 'uniformity'. Through this incident, the Gondi tribe realized that no one was on their side, especially their own government.
The Importance of Indigenous Peoples' Recognition of Land and Forests
Since ancient times, indigenous peoples have local knowledge and cultural traditions that are used for sustainable living. Starting from getting food, clean water sources, medicines to connections with the creator. All of this can be maintained if indigenous peoples get recognition for sovereign land and forests.
For the food sovereignty line itself, indigenous peoples have local knowledge about agricultural and gardening practices that are in accordance with their natural conditions. As simple as the time to harvest, indigenous peoples have their own calendar. Not carelessly, from the pre-planting process to post-planting, indigenous peoples have different rituals.
This is also in line with the relationship between humans, nature and the creator. Indigenous people know very well how to be grateful and pray to everything they believe is the greatest guardian of nature. A tradition that keeps them connected to their God.
They also have food ingredients that are not far behind in nutritional content than rice. What satisfies them and how local food can last for a long time, with only one type of food ingredient. Imagine, if an indigenous community has 2-3 other types of food ingredients that are consumed.
Talking about health, indigenous people do not need to buy expensive medicines. Just go to the forest, pick some plants, mix them, and make herbal medicine. This tradition continues to be carried out to cure all diseases. It is proven that they can survive and reproduce until today.
This condition is in line with what was said by a Professor of Philosophy from the University of Auckland, Dr. Krushil Watene who said "the language, knowledge, and values of indigenous peoples are embedded in the landscape of land and sea. With an area covering around 24% of land worldwide and accommodating 80% of the world's biodiversity."
So, without land and forests, indigenous peoples simply lose their identity as cultural heirs. It is impossible to maintain the ecological chain if one of those elements is missing from them.
Then, What About in Indonesia?
I think Indonesia is one of the countries that has experienced the most looting and criminalization of indigenous peoples. From CATAHU 2023 of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), throughout 2023, AMAN recorded that there were at least 2,578,073 hectares of indigenous territories. Most of the looting of indigenous territories was accompanied by violence and criminalization which resulted in 247 victims – 204 of whom were injured, 1 person was shot to death, and approximately 100 indigenous peoples' houses were destroyed because they were considered to be living in a state conservation area.
Cases that occurred in 2023 also had a wider increase than the previous year. If in the previous year the seizure of customary land was carried out for industries such as mining and forestry, in 2023 the seizure of customary land was used for broader interests, such as energy and carbon.
Clearly, this is supported by government policies that never side with and understand what the needs of indigenous peoples are. The stalling of the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU) and the increasing number of rampant mining activities, slowly marginalize indigenous peoples.
For example, the construction of the Lambo reservoir, which is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN). This reservoir was built with the aim of providing raw water and irrigation needs in Nagekeo Regency. The discourse on the construction of the reservoir has actually been present in Nagekeo since 1999. Where the construction was still called the construction of the Mbai reservoir. However, the issue then disappeared because the community rejected the construction.
However, after the expansion of Ngada district and the birth of Nagekeo district in 2008, the discourse on the construction of the Lambo reservoir reappeared in 2015. The community again rejected it. The Rendu indigenous community has carried out struggles such as forming the Lambo Reservoir Rejection Forum (FPWL).
Writing to the President, the House of Representatives (DPR), the Governor, the National Land Agency (BPN), the NTT Regional Police (Polda), the Nagekeo Regional Government (Pemda), and the Presidential staff. The result was nil.
The Rendu indigenous community also carried out a human fence action or blockade against the Civil Service Police Unit (SatPol PP). Physical clashes occurred, resulting in all indigenous women falling unconscious. Indigenous women experienced physical violence such as being strangled, handcuffed and arrested at the Nagekeo Police without clear reasons.
What Conclusions Can Be Drawn?
Dr. Krushil Watene said the only way for a community's local wisdom to be indigenous people remain protected is by protecting their territories from extractive development pressures and other development pressures. However, this also makes indigenous communities very vulnerable in facing development projects and also to criminalization. This dynamic illustrates how the need to protect the environment intersects with the urgent need to protect indigenous communities.
The state is the party most responsible for imposing sanctions on anyone who damages the environment and makes indigenous peoples victims. Because it is a form of violation of Human Rights (HAM). But unfortunately, the state is actually present as the perpetrator of the violation itself.
From the book Year Full of Weeds, I learned a lot about how the struggle for the recognition of indigenous peoples' rights and their protection is still far from sufficient. Especially if we look at the current condition of Indonesia. Political ecology education is considered important to make many people aware that the environment is not just land, water, and air.
This book is highly recommended to read, so that we can look more closely at environmental issues themselves. Why trees should not be cut down, river water should not be polluted, and land should not be turned into industrial activities.
Simple language and a storyline that is not excessive, breaks the assumption that says "books that raise environmental issues are bound to be very complicated.” In fact, from the story of Korok and other characters, we are invited to watch a show that is very relevant to the current conditions in Indonesia.
Moreover, this novel won a prestigious literature award in India. Neev Book Award 2019 for the novel category Young Adults. Making this book worthy for you to read and collect. In Indonesia, it was brought and translated directly by Marjin Kiri, included in Pustaka Mekar (critical reading for children and adolescent readers). What are you waiting for, let's get to know Korok!
