Indigenous communities in Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, are accusing PT Mancaraya Argo Mandiri (PT MAM) of illegally logging their customary forests. The company’s operational license was revoked in 2019, but it is suspected of continuing activities in the Sayosa and Maudus districts.
Torianus Kalami, chairman of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago (AMAN) Malamoi, condemned PT MAM’s operations and urged the local and provincial governments to take immediate action. He described the logging as a violation of indigenous rights and environmental damage.
Kalami fears the continued logging will devastate the customary forests, harming the indigenous people’s way of life and cultural heritage. He reported witnessing individuals carrying out logging without proper permits. “Selling this timber at low prices fuels the problem,” said Kalami. (See Suara Papua/ T. Kalami photo with timber Harvest by PT MAM in Sayosa).
The indigenous communities, including the Klesi, Klow, Murpa, Maas, and Kwanik clans, consider these forests sacred and essential for their survival. They are demanding the government expel PT MAM, halt all illegal logging, and protect their customary lands.
Yordan Malamuk, an indigenous man from Sayosa district, highlighted the environmental consequences of illegal logging, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of wildlife habitat. He, along with others, is urging the government to take a strong stance against PT MAM.
Detailed Case Data
name of the location: Sorong (-0.9346631228801169, 131.92161402752936)
administrative region: Indonesia, Papua Barat Daya Province, Sorong Regency
total number of victims: dozens
period of incident: 01.07.2024
perpetrator: company
perpetrator details: PT Mancaraya Agro Mandiri
Issues: cultural rights, indigenous peoples, FPIC
Sources:
Further HRM News:
| Number | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| dozens | unknown | unknown | unknown | indigenous | cultural rights |
