The Dayak's Fight: Exclusion and Injustice in the Relocation of Indonesia's Capital

A Satire on Social Media: Sharply Criticizing IKN and the Manipulation of the Dayak. Illustration. FB.

Criticism of the move to relocate the capital to Nusantara (Ibu Kota Nusantara - IKN) has been growing louder and more prominent, especially among the Dayak people, the rightful heirs of the land and island of Borneo. 

The Dayak’s Struggle: Excluded, Exploited, and Ignored in the Relocation of Indonesia's Capital

The project, announced by the Indonesian government, has sparked deep concerns and dissatisfaction within the Dayak community. They feel their voices have been ignored, and their presence in the planning and execution of this monumental project has been minimal. This has fueled a sense of injustice, given that they are the rightful owners of the land now at the center of national attention.

The criticism that has emerged shows that the Dayak people feel sidelined and excluded from the decision-making process of this highly important initiative. They are worried that the relocation of the capital will threaten their land rights—lands they have lived on for centuries. In many cases, the Dayak people feel like mere "spectators" in this massive project, even though they are the ones most directly affected by the policy.

Many Dayak people view the National Strategic Project as a new form of land exploitation. They feel that their land is being treated as a mere commodity, managed without any involvement from them in the decisions that impact it. Some even argue that the project represents a form of "new land grabbing," where the interests of large-scale projects take precedence over the sustainability of local communities and cultures. This has only worsened the feelings of alienation and injustice among the Dayak people.

One major concern

One major concern that has surfaced is the issuance of Land Use Rights (Hak Guna Usaha -- HGU), which the Dayak people see as a new form of colonization. In their view, granting HGU to companies or outside entities without involving the Dayak people completely disregards their rights. 

An example of this frustration can be seen in social media posts by a prominent Dayak leader, which vividly depict the community's discontent with policies that they believe are harmful. In these posts, Dayak land is portrayed as being exploited for the benefit of larger interests, without regard for the rights of the indigenous people.

In this context, the protests and criticisms against the capital relocation are not just about politics or development—they are about preserving identity and land rights that the Dayak people have safeguarded for generations. 

The Dayak community is now more vocal than ever, demanding that the planning and execution of the project be more inclusive and respectful of their rights as the rightful landowners.

-- Amee Lea Koa

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