In a significant development in a decade-old land conflict, two palm oil companies have restarted clearing rainforest and land in Indonesian Borneo, reigniting disputes with the Indigenous Dayak Benuaq community of Muara Tae who claim the area as their ancestral land.
- Companies resumed clearing disputed forest land after a decade-long pause.
- The Indigenous Muara Tae community contests plantation expansions on their ancestral land.
- The conflict draws attention to ongoing Indigenous land rights issues in Indonesia.
What happened
Two palm oil companies, PT Borneo Surya Mining Jaya and PT Munte Waniq Jaya Perkasa, restarted clearing rainforest and territory in East Kalimantan that the Dayak Benuaq community of Muara Tae claims as their ancestral land. The renewed activity began in 2025 and has continued into 2026, marking a resurgence after more than a decade of halted deforestation in the area.
The dispute dates back to 2011-2012 when the companies first started expanding plantations in the area, following controversial land transactions facilitated by local government authorities. The situation escalated after the companies allegedly acquired rights using fraudulent claims from residents of a neighboring village, Muara Ponaq, leading to protests from the Muara Tae community and international attention.
Why it feels good
The Dayak Benuaq community's resilience has been recognized globally, including receiving the Equator Prize from the United Nations Development Programme for their efforts to protect the forest despite pressure from plantation expansion. Their fight highlights the importance and power of Indigenous stewardship in conserving biodiversity and protecting cultural heritage.
Despite setbacks, the ongoing visibility of this land rights issue encourages broader awareness and advocacy for Indigenous peoples in Indonesia and around the world. It underlines the need for fair and transparent land rights processes and sustainable development models that respect Indigenous communities and their environment.
What to enjoy or watch next
Observers and supporters of Indigenous rights can follow advocacy efforts and legal proceedings related to this dispute, as well as further investigations into palm oil industry practices. Continuous monitoring by environmental groups and technology firms, such as spatial analysis of land clearing, offers up-to-date information on the evolving situation in Muara Tae.
Support for Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable land management remains vital. Interested readers can explore ways to responsibly support sustainable palm oil production and Indigenous rights organizations to contribute to long-term solutions in Indonesia and other regions facing similar challenges.