Eight Proposals for Customary Forests in Sorong Verified, Area Boundaries and Community Rights Become Focus

Recognition of the Moi Indigenous Community is the Foundation

Recognition of customary law communities in Sorong Regency has a regional basis through Sorong Regency Regional Regulation Number 10 of 2017 concerning Recognition and Protection of Moi Customary Law Communities.

This regulation was followed up with a number of decisions by the Regent of Sorong regarding the recognition and protection of customary law communities and their customary territories.

The Ministry of Forestry places the establishment of customary forests as part of the recognition and protection of customary law communities. Management is directed at maintaining forest functions while paying attention to local wisdom.

The ongoing verification aims to clarify the conditions of each proposal and identify matters that still require clarification. This stage does not constitute a decision to determine the status of customary forests.

Maintaining Living Space and Handling Tenurial Issues

Integrated Team Leader George A.F. The Minister of Agriculture from the University of Papua explained that the establishment of customary forests is also directed at protecting the community's living space, preserving the ecosystem, and protecting traditional knowledge.

This process is also an approach to dealing with tenure issues or control and use of land in and around forest areas.

"Our principle is clear, acceleration must not reduce the quality of the process. Acceleration actually means that the government is present to resolve obstacles one by one so that people get legal certainty, their forest areas are clear, and their management can run sustainably," said George.