
GEOSPATIAL ECOSYSTEM DISCUSSION #3
April 4, 2024Itwan Gunawan, I Kadek Yoga Dwi Putra, Inanditya Widiana Putri
Departement of Geography FMIPA UI

A Brief Study on the Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC)
Biodiversity is the foundation for the sustainability of global ecosystems, providing ecological, social, and economic benefits. However, environmental degradation and the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources continue to threaten the sustainability of global biodiversity, including in areas managed by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC). IPLC play a significant role as guardians of ecosystems, managing an estimated 80% of the world's biodiversity. Despite this, they often face challenges such as weak tenure rights, limited access to technical support, and a lack of recognition for their local knowledge. A new study conducted by the Center for Applied Geography Research at the University of Indonesia (PPGT-UI) highlights the role of IPLC in natural resource management and conservation in Indonesia. The study, focusing on three Dayak Ngaju communities in Gunung Mas Regency, Central Kalimantan, and the Dalem Tamblingan Indigenous community in Bali, illustrates how their customary governance systems and local knowledge contribute significantly to maintaining biodiversity sustainability. This approach provides concrete examples of solutions.**

Figure 2. The location and landscape of the three Dayak Indigenous Communities visited (left) and the Dalem Tamblingan Indigenous Community around the Alas Mertajati forest (right).
The UNESCO-recognized subak irrigation system, based on the philosophy of the *Piagam Gama Tirta*, is harmoniously practiced by this community, involving local spiritual leaders who uphold traditional practices.
This study also identifies key challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), namely weak tenure rights over customary lands and limited access to funding. In recent decades, the expansion of land concessions for plantations, mining, and infrastructure has often come at the expense of customary territories. While some IPLC communities in Indonesia have gained legal recognition, technical and financial support remains a significant obstacle. In Central Kalimantan, fragmented tenure status, as shown in Figure 3 (left), hampers the functioning of Dayak Ngaju customary institutions, which strive to protect their biodiversity-rich forest ecosystems. Figure 3 (right) shows Alas Merta Jati, which was previously a conservation forest but has now been designated as a Nature Tourism Park, allowing public access to an area that was once restricted. The overlapping boundaries between Alas Merta Jati, the Nature Tourism Park, and the Batukahu Nature Reserve have created conflicts over land use and conservation priorities, highlighting the challenges of balancing ecological protection with sustainable tourism development in the region. This underscores the need to strengthen IPLC capacities to adapt and thrive amidst complex challenges. To address financing needs aligned with IPLC cultural values, the Nusantara Fund has been developed by civil society organizations such as AMAN, WALHI, and KPA. This fund provides a flexible, solidarity-based funding model that respects IPLC autonomy without burdening them with the complexities of global funding mechanisms and reporting, while still emphasizing utility and accountability. The Nusantara Fund supports initiatives such as customary land mapping, tenure rights, and nature-based conservation activities aimed at preserving the ecosystems they manage.
Cross-Disciplinary Discussion by PPGT-FMIPA
The 16thC onference of Parties (CoP) of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) In Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024, Indonesia has the opportunity to strengthen its commitment to biodiversity conservation. One of the key issues highlighted is the development of a biodiversity credit market as a conservation financing mechanism. However, the implementation of this market presents new challenges for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), particularly in ensuring that their rights are not marginalized by market instruments that could undermine their local autonomy. In this regard, it is crucial for the government to ensure the full participation of IPLC in such schemes, respecting their traditional knowledge and practices as integral components of conservation solutions. The Cross-Disciplinary Discussion, held on October 31, 2024, and opened by Professor Tito Indra Latif, Vice Dean of FMIPA, delved deeper into the findings of this research. The presentation began with Dr. Iwan Gunawan, the Head of the PPGT Research Team, followed by responses from various perspectives. Dr. Hafid Setiadi, M.T., addressed the topic from a political ecology viewpoint; Dr. Mochamad Indrawan explored biodiversity conservation perspectives; and Dr. Taqyuddin, S.Si., M.Hum., discussed socio-cultural aspects. In addition to the panelists, participants contributed to the discussion by sharing insights from their respective fields of expertise. The discussion produced several recommendations that reinforce the role of science in supporting customary governance and community-based mapping, contributing to the documentation and recording of conservation practices implemented by IPLC.
MAKL (Masyarakat Adat dan Komunitas Lokal) in Indonesia plays an important role in preserving biodiversity through sustainable practices. However, they still face challenges in obtaining tenure recognition and access to technical support and financing that aligns with their cultural values. Natural sciences studied at the University of Indonesia.Fields such as Geography, Biology, and Earth Sciences can support MAKL in implementing participatory approaches in the inventory and monitoring of biodiversity (including genetic assets) in their regions. Similarly, social sciences such as Anthropology, Sociology, and even Archeology can help document and present systematically and scientifically the existence and functioning of social structures within MAKL communities. Furthermore, economics, governance, and public policy sciences can play a key role in supporting the sustainable development and advocacy for MAKL's rights.(public governance and policy) dapat menganalisa pilihan-pilihan mekanisme pembiayaan, kelembagaan dan perlindungan terhadap keberadaan dan kepentingan MAKL. Dengan melibatkan MAKL dalam kebijakan nasional dan internasional serta memberikan akses ke skema pembiayaan yang mendukung tata kelola mereka, Indonesia dapat memperkuat upaya konservasi sekaligus mendukung kesejahteraan MAKL.