Indigenous Community-Based Forest Management: A Study about Status and Role of Customary Institution in Dayak Siang, Murung Jaya Regency, Central Borneo

Indigenous community-based forest management is one of local wisdoms applied by Dayak Siang tribe. The management reflects the respect shown by the community from generation to generation because their ancestors resided in the forest hill of Puruk Kambang. In the execution of its supervision, Puruk Kambang traditional forest is managed in three patterns of arrangement: first, the area from the foot of the forest to the surrounding area within a radius of 1.000 meters is cultivated for growing fruits; second, area stretching from the slope to the centre of the mountain is used for cultivating trees that have economical value, and at the same time function in preserving the natural spring of the forest for the benefit of the community; third, the area from the centre to the top of the mountain is specially allocated as the venue for customary rituals and worships. The management of the forest is based on philosophical value of belom bahadat. The status and the role of Dayak Siang traditional institution protects the interests of the indigenous community; in the absence of dispute, institution of customary law area does not interfere in the management of the traditional forest, and it is conducted entirely by the community residing in the areas surrounding the forest. In contrast, traditional institution plays its role in working on and solving the problem, shall it arise, until the time of deciding customary law.