Land Grabs in Kalimantan: The Dayak Struggle for Justice
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| The conflict over land control between local communities and corporations is intensifying. Land that once sustained the Dayak people for generations is now controlled by large companies, particularly in palm oil plantations and mining. Photo credit: Luncung. |
SANGGAU - dayaktoday.com: The Dayak people in Kalimantan are facing a critical issue: land control. Over the years, large corporations—especially palm oil and mining companies—have steadily taken over their ancestral lands.
These lands, which the Dayak have depended on for generations, are now in the hands of powerful industries. For the Dayak, this represents more than just the loss of territory; it’s the erosion of their identity and culture.
Corporate land grabs spark Dayak resistance
Land once managed by the community is being converted into industrial plantations and extraction sites.
The Dayak have lived on these lands for centuries, cultivating the soil and maintaining the forests. Yet, in recent years, decisions about this land have been made without their consultation. The companies push forward with their projects, backed by government policies that often prioritize economic growth over indigenous rights.
As these companies expand, the Dayak people feel more and more excluded. They’ve been denied a meaningful voice in matters that directly affect their way of life. The land they once lived on in harmony with nature is now seen as a commodity, a resource to be exploited.
The Dayak community is left in the dark, with little transparency about how decisions are made or who benefits.
Many locals are beginning to suspect that the influence of the central government, particularly in Jakarta, is a driving factor. They feel that decisions about their land are being made far away, with little regard for the realities on the ground. The government, they argue, has abandoned them in favor of corporate interests, and they are left fighting an uphill battle to protect what remains of their heritage.
The result is a growing sense of frustration among the Dayak. They’re being told that their land has already been claimed, but they’re never given clear answers about how or why. As these corporate giants continue to profit from the land, the Dayak people are left questioning if anyone will ever listen to their demands for justice.
Broken Promises: The CSR Dilemma
One of the most disheartening aspects of this issue is the broken promises of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Companies often assure the local communities that they’ll receive support in exchange for the use of their land. But these promises, more often than not, are never fully realized. The CSR programs put forward by the companies are frequently inadequate or misdirected.
For example, some companies claim to contribute by offering scholarships to local students. However, these scholarships are often limited and don’t address the broader needs of the community. In many cases, only a small number of people benefit, leaving most behind. The Dayak feel that these symbolic gestures are simply a way for companies to check off a box without genuinely improving the lives of the people they affect.
Other CSR initiatives include building infrastructure projects like footpaths or places of worship. While these might seem beneficial on the surface, they are not the kind of large-scale development the community desperately needs. The Dayak are not looking for small, token gestures—they want real, substantial support that helps them thrive. But instead, they’re left with infrastructure that doesn’t address their basic needs like access to healthcare, education, or sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The companies may point to these small CSR projects as evidence of their goodwill. But for the Dayak, they feel more like distractions, a way to appease the community while they continue to profit from the land. The companies are quick to boast about their contributions, but the people see it differently. They see it as a farce—a way of presenting an image of corporate responsibility without actually fulfilling their promises.
At the same time, the government has failed to hold these companies accountable for their broken promises. There are few checks and balances in place to ensure that CSR is actually benefiting the people who need it most. The Dayak feel ignored and forgotten, and the corporate entities continue to extract wealth with little to no accountability for the promises they make.
A Battle for Social Justice and Indigenous Right
This ongoing struggle is not just about land—it’s about the very survival of the Dayak people as an indigenous community. The Dayak are fighting for recognition of their rights as the original stewards of the land. They believe that any development in their territory should prioritize the well-being of the local people, not just the profits of outside companies.
Their demands go beyond land restitution. They are calling for respect for their cultural heritage, for their traditions, and for their way of life. The Dayak want to be included in decisions that affect them. They want to ensure that their voices are heard when it comes to land management and resource extraction. They believe that without this involvement, any development is doomed to fail and that the exploitation of their land will continue without meaningful change.
For the Dayak, the fight is deeply personal. It’s about their right to continue living in harmony with the environment, as they have for generations. The palm oil and mining industries may bring profits, but they also bring destruction. Forests are cleared, rivers are polluted, and wildlife disappears. The Dayak are witnessing the destruction of their ancestral lands, and they are unwilling to let that happen without a fight.
The government, too, has a responsibility to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. Yet, the Dayak feel that the government has turned a blind eye to their plight, prioritizing corporate interests over their well-being. The promise of development has not materialized in a way that benefits the community. Instead, the government has allowed these companies to operate with little regard for the social and environmental costs.
The Dayak are demanding a new model of development—one that is inclusive and sustainable. They want to ensure that any economic growth comes with a commitment to protecting their land, their culture, and their future. They believe that true progress must be balanced with respect for indigenous rights and the environment.
This struggle is a fight for dignity, for recognition, and for survival. It’s a fight that the Dayak are determined to win, no matter how long it takes. They want to ensure that their children and grandchildren will be able to live on the land their ancestors have cared for. They want a future where they are not pushed aside for the sake of corporate profits.
Corporate Land Control and the Dayak's Fight
The Dayak community is growing increasingly organized and vocal. They are demanding their rightful place at the table in discussions about land management and development. They are not asking for charity—they are demanding fairness. The fight for their land is also a fight for social justice, for the right to be treated with respect, and for the right to shape their own future.
Read 7 Issues Facing the Dayak Community Today
The Dayak people are resilient, having endured countless challenges over the years. Despite the hardships they’ve faced, they have not given up. Their struggle is not just for their own survival, but for the future of their children and grandchildren. As they continue their fight, they know they are defending more than just land—they are protecting their heritage, culture, and way of life.
The battle is far from over, and the Dayak will not back down. With unwavering determination, they will continue to push for justice. They will raise their voices until their rights are finally recognized and respected.
This ongoing fight is a testament to their strength and resilience. The Dayak understand that their struggle is bigger than any one generation; it is about ensuring that their culture and land will endure for centuries to come. No matter how powerful the forces against them, they remain committed to their cause.
The challenges they face may seem overwhelming, but the Dayak are not easily defeated. Their determination is fueled by a deep connection to their land and their people, and they will continue to resist until they achieve the justice they deserve.
-- Apai Deraman