Funds are urgently needed (Aust.$3400) for the Saban Tribespeo
ple to finance their legal battle to regain the Landrights to
their rainforest home on the Kalimantan side.
The following request for assistance comes from a source inside
Malaysian Sarawak:-
"Deep in the interior of Borneo, straddling the border of Kali
mantan and Sarawak, lies the traditional rainforest home of a
group of people largely unheard of by the vast majority. These
people number approximately 1,000 - with 3 of their villages in
Sarawak and 2 on the Indonesian side of the border. They have
their own language and customs and are sometimes described as
being close to the Kelabit tribe although they will vehemently
deny this. 'Saban' is their title and their land is situated half
in Sarawak and half in Indonesia. I have been approached by two
of their headmen who are currently involved in a battle to save
their traditional land.
The land involved (on the Indonesian side of Borneo) is the
traditional spiritual area of these people. It is all virgin
rainforest, surrounding a large and very rare Savannah region.
Situated deep in the jungle area is a large pond, said to be home
of their helper - the dragon. The Saban's traditional enemies,
the Giants, lived in the surrounding mountains. It is also in
this area that they used to hunt for the extremely rare rhinocer
os, which the Saban say still inhabits this area.
The problem at the moment is that the Indonesian Government is
planning a huge "scheme" in the area; (we are not quite sure
exactly what - possibly a transmigration or logging project) and
the army has started clearing for a road and has been ordered to
clear a further 100 metres either side of the road as well.
The Saban's proposal is to travel to Terikan and use the same
process that the neighbouring Kayan's used recently (sucessfully)
to obtain landrights. They do this by going through the Dept. of
Forestry and various other Departments. The Saban have already
mapped the area and are ready to go, they just need the financial
support to do it. It is vital
that they obtain landrights to this area as soon as possible, as
they then will be able to negotiate with the Government and they
are very confident that they will be successful. They are asking
for M.$6000 to cover all the costs involved, (this is approx.
Aust.$3,430). I have said that I will ask for assistance from
'outside' and see what can be raised."
Sooooo...., any help with raising money for this or even ideas
of ways to raise money would be greatly appreciated. This would be
an excellent way to put your good thoughts into action and show
you care in this, the International Year of Indigenous People.
Please give feedback, offers of support, suggestions and advice
to: RAINFOREST INFORMATION CENTRE
ph: (066) 218 505; fax: (066) 222 339; email: peg:rainfaus
P.O. Box 368, Lismore 2480 AUSTRALIA