Borneo's Call: Indigenous Voices at New York Climate Week

Stefanus Masiun (right front, long-sleeve batik), a Dayak resident from Sekadau, West Kalimantan, to New York, where he represents the Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) as its Chair. Doc. Masiun.

BORNEOTRAVEL - NEW YORK: The people of Borneo play an essential role in the global fight against climate change and environmental degradation. 

This commitment brings Stefanus Masiun, a Dayak resident from Sekadau, West Kalimantan, to New York, where he represents the Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) as its Chair. 

Masiun, also the Rector of the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology, is participating in New York Climate Week (NYCW), which runs alongside the United Nations General Assembly.

The Heart of the city

New York is alive with activity, its streets bustling and congested, secured by the vigilant presence of the New York Police Department (NYPD). The atmosphere is charged with diplomatic engagements and crucial discussions. 

Amidst this flurry, numerous side events are being organized, particularly by civil society groups and indigenous movements. Masiun’s involvement in discussions with the Global Alliance for Territorial Communities (GATC) brings together indigenous representatives from across the globe to tackle pressing issues, especially those related to climate change.

Protecting ancestral forests

A central theme of the discussions is the urgent need to protect ancestral forests, including the precious tropical rainforests of Borneo. Masiun, recognized for his environmental advocacy and as the author of "Economic Valuation of Ancestral Forests," underscores that these forests are not only vital for biodiversity but also serve as critical carbon sinks essential for mitigating global climate change.

The ancestral forests in Borneo are the heart of indigenous life. "Our existence depends on healthy and sustainable forests. Without proper recognition and protection of indigenous rights, we risk losing these invaluable resources,” Masiun emphasized during one of the sessions.

Challenges faced by indigenous communities

Masiun shed light on the significant challenges indigenous communities encounter while trying to safeguard their lands and forests from relentless development pressures and resource exploitation. He passionately stated, “We cannot tackle climate change effectively without involving indigenous peoples, who possess knowledge and practices that have proven essential for environmental sustainability.”

At a recent High-Level Dialogue meeting, Masiun reinforced the necessity of respecting indigenous perspectives in shaping both national and international policies. He called upon world leaders to actively listen to and engage indigenous communities in all environmental and climate-related policymaking processes.

In a significant highlight of his visit, Masiun met with actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio. Their conversation centered around strategies to amplify global awareness of climate change issues and the rights of indigenous peoples.

"Support from influential figures like DiCaprio is vital. We hope to reach more people and draw attention to the need for protecting ancestral forests, particularly in Borneo," Masiun remarked.

This gathering represents a pivotal moment for reinforcing global commitments in confronting the climate crisis. 

Masiun emphasized the critical role of indigenous communities and the importance of forest preservation as a sustainable solution. Without concrete action and close collaboration, the future of rainforests and the communities that depend on them is at risk.

Through his presence at NYCW, Stefanus Masiun seeks to rally international support for these urgent issues, ensuring that the voices of indigenous peoples resonate on the world stage. 

- Rangkaya Bada