Former West Kalimantan Governor Cornelis Advocates for Local Resource Control and Indigenous Rights Amid Capital Relocation and Global Climate Efforts

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, had a casual chat with Cornelis, a governor who oversees a vast forested region. This task force was launched by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on November 18, 2008, at the Governors' Climate Change Summit held in Los Angeles, California.

In a recent statement, he declared, "Forests and local natural resources should be utilized for the prosperity of the local community and be controlled by them as well." 

Forests benefit locals

In Cornelis’ statement presented to BORNEOTRAVEL in Jakarta on September 9, 2024, his comments address escalating concerns over deforestation, mining, and industrial development. 

These issues often involve granting resource management rights to external entities, which pose significant risks to the environment and local communities.

Throughout his governorship, Cornelis was resolute in his commitment to maintaining control over West Kalimantan's resources. 

"Absolutely not! I refused to sell off natural resources or grant their management to outsiders or companies from outside the region. This includes practices like carbon trading and other such schemes!" 

His administration was characterized by a firm defense of local control against external exploitation, reflecting his dedication to sustainable resource management and environmental protection.

Cornelis’s advocacy for environmental stewardship was prominently aligned with the global governors' initiative led by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger, the former Governor of California, launched the Governors' Climate and Forests Task Force on November 18, 2008, during the Governors' Climate Summit in Los Angeles. 

This international effort aimed to address climate change and deforestation through collaborative actions among governors with extensive forested regions. Cornelis, overseeing one of the world’s most critical rainforest areas, joined this initiative, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard and prioritize local natural resources for the benefit of indigenous and local communities.

Central to Cornelis’s advocacy is the Borneo rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and ecologically significant rainforests globally. 

Borneo rainforest hosts diverse species

Spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, the Borneo rainforest is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Bornean orangutan, pygmy elephant, and clouded leopard. 

This rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by acting as a significant carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. However, the rainforest is under severe threat from deforestation driven by logging, mining, and agricultural expansion, which jeopardizes its ecological balance and biodiversity.

In recent years, Borneo has emerged as a prominent destination for eco-tourists, who seek to experience its rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes. 

Sustainable tourism in Borneo offers visitors the chance to witness its extraordinary wildlife, explore its diverse ecosystems, and participate in conservation efforts. This form of tourism can provide essential economic benefits to local communities while fostering a greater appreciation for environmental preservation. 

However, the growth of tourism must be managed carefully to ensure it does not exacerbate the very issues it aims to address, such as habitat destruction and environmental degradation.

Beyond his environmental advocacy, Cornelis has also been vocal about the implications of relocating Indonesia’s national capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. During a recent hearing with the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission II and the authorities overseeing the new capital, Cornelis issued a strong warning: 

"Development is welcome and necessary, but do not marginalize the Dayak people, the rightful heirs of Borneo and its indigenous residents." 

This caution was aimed at ensuring that the significant development associated with the capital relocation does not come at the expense of the Dayak people’s rights and interests.

Cornelis’s warning appears to have had a substantial impact, resulting in the replacement of both the head and deputy head of the Capital Authority. His insistence on protecting indigenous rights and ensuring that development projects include and respect local communities reflects his broader commitment to sustainable development and social justice.

Cornelis’s leadership underscores the need for a balanced approach to development

Cornelis’s leadership underscores the need for a balanced approach to development that respects both environmental integrity and indigenous rights. His calls for sustainable practices and local stewardship are particularly relevant in the context of the Borneo rainforest, where the challenge is to harmonize economic growth with conservation. 

As Indonesia advances with its capital relocation and development initiatives, Cornelis’s emphasis on protecting local communities and preserving natural resources remains crucial. His efforts highlight the importance of integrating environmental and cultural considerations into development strategies, ensuring that progress benefits all stakeholders without compromising the ecological and cultural heritage of this vital region.

Cornelis’s advocacy for local control of resources, environmental protection, and respect for indigenous rights is not only a call for responsible governance. It also serves as a blueprint for achieving sustainable development.

Cornelis' work serves as a powerful reminder of the need for thoughtful and inclusive approaches that honor both the environment and the rights of its indigenous peoples. It also supports sustainable tourism that benefits the ecosystem and local communities.

-- Rangkaya Bada