Yayasan / WWF Indonesia / Yunaidi Joepoet
31 mei 2023

Landmark achievement: legal recognition of Asmat people’s territories

The coastal villages of the Asmat clan in South Papua, Indonesia, have reached a significant milestone by establishing the boundaries of their territories through participatory mapping. In accordance with ancestral rules and government regulations, these areas rightfully belong to the Asmat people. The achievement of legal recognition not only safeguards their territories but also protects them against unjust distribution and exploitation of the region's valuable natural resources.

It is crucial to restore land rights as it directly contributes to livelihoods of local communities who depend on natural resources and preserving life on Earth. The Asmat land encompasses a remarkable ecosystem and habitat, abundant in biodiversity and home to distinct animals and plants.

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Support of the network

Participatory community mapping played a significant role in agreeing on the boundaries for all the villages in the Asmat clan. The Alfons Suwada Asmat Foundations (YASA) and WWF Indonesia, part of the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) network, assisted in this process of involving communities and elevating their voices.

Ongoing threats

It's also important to acknowledge the flipside of the coin and the ongoing life-endangering threats faced by indigenous communities, often also environmental defenders of their habitat. This includes recognizing the high price they pay to protect and advocate for their land rights. The hope is that all villages in Asmat can also be provided with a Customary Forest Decree.

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