The Legacy of Ledjie Taq: Preserving Borneo's Rainforest

Ledjie Taq received the Kalpataru trophy  from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Unfortunately, the Kalpataru trophy was destroyed along with the fire in 2010, when a blaze ravaged the homes in Nehas Liah Bing.

BORNEOTRAVEL - Samarinda: Ledjie Taq was born on February 19, 1953. He is the head of the Wehea customary council in the village of Nehas Leah Bing, Muara Wahau District, East Borneo. 

The guardian and legend of Wehea rainforest

Known as the guardian of the Wehea rainforest, he has been working tirelessly alongside non-governmental organizations (NGOs) since 2004 to protect the forest from those who wish to clear it for other uses.

His relentless dedication to preserving the Wehea wilderness has even reached Jakarta. In recognition of his efforts, he was honored with the Kalpataru Award, which he received directly from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on June 5, 2009, coinciding with World Environment Day.

Ledjie himself admitted that he never sought recognition from anyone, including the Minister of Environment representing the state. He was candid about this after receiving the trophy from the president.

The strengths and advantages of local resources 

Active in maintaining traditional customs and laws, Ledjie played a significant role in the Wehea Customary Congress. This congress aimed to enforce Wehea's customary laws across six villages: Nehas Liah Bing, Long Wehea, Diaq Leway, Dea Beq, Diaq Lay, and Bea Nehas.

The congress was notably opened with a traditional ritual on November 8, 2013, at the Balai Budaya Petsot Sang. The residents of these six villages are the original inhabitants of the Wehea River region, which was formerly known as Long Msaq Teng and Sungai Tlan.

During the Wehea Customary Congress, a scientific seminar was also held. This seminar was an effort to assess the strengths and advantages of local resources and to explore practical steps for developing both natural resources and human resources in the area simultaneously. The diverse topics and speakers at the seminar all pointed towards progress and improvement.

The the Kalpataru was also destroyed

Unfortunately, in 2010, when a fire ravaged the homes in Nehas Liah Bing, the Kalpataru trophy—a tangible symbol of Ledjie’s environmental advocacy—was also destroyed.

While the fire may have reduced the Kalpataru trophy to ashes, Ledjie’s spirit and commitment to preserving the Wehea rainforest remain undiminished. 

His story is a testament to the wisdom, courage, and exemplary leadership left by the ancestors of Borneo, the Dayak people. 

By immortalizing their heroic deeds, legacy, and the good they have done, we can find inspiration and motivation to continue their noble work.

-- Thabut Perjanjian