August 18, 2005

At least seven Penan communities in Miri and Limbang have erected blockades across roads used by logging companies. The logging companies have been encroaching on traditional forests, causing pollution and a host of other problems. Several reports were filed in 2002 regarding the deteriorating conditions of the communities as a result of the logging activities. The Reports have been largely ignored by the government, leading the communities to take matters into their own hands.

Protestors from two Kayan longhouses, Long Laput and Sungai Dua, formed blockades of the only two logging access roads in the area on July 19. The Kayan are protesting the actions of two companies, Rimbunan Hijau and Shin Yang (Forestry) Plantation, which they claim are conducting logging and nursery activities in the communal customary lands of the two longhouses. The Sungai Dua Headman stated that the companies were conducting their operations near the Kayan water catchment areas and had already encroached on the buffer zone surrounding local bird nest caves.

Following efforts to stop logging in customary Penan areas, including a blockade that began in March, 47 Penan chiefs have signed a memorandum to be submitted to Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the State Minister in charge of Penan Affairs. The memo, which is the result of a five-day long meeting in the remote village of Long Sayan, also addresses healthcare, education and communal land rights.

Borneo’s indigenous people have erected new blockades against logging and sand mining activities on their native lands. Since March 27, 2002 many Sarawak indigenous groups, including the Penan, Kayan, and Kenyah, have erected barricades to prevent the movement of logging and mining vehicles. It is the first time that these indigenous communities have come together drawing national and worldwide attention to their plight.

The indigenous peoples on the island of Borneo are protesting against logging and sand mining activities on their native lands. Since March 27, 2002 many Sarawak indigenous communities, including the Penan, Kayan, and Kenyah, have put up blockades to stop the movement of logging and mining vehicles.