Jayapura, Jubi – The Boven Digoel Customary Community Institution (LMA) in South Papua has declared its support for the Awyu Indigenous community in Boven Digoel, which is opposing a National Strategic Project (PSN) planned on their customary land.
The support was outlined in a letter from LMA Boven Digoel, Number 094/RKM-D/LMA-BVD/IX/2026, dated September 19, 2026, providing a formal recommendation of support.
The letter followed a request submitted by the Awyu Indigenous community of the Greater Awyu customary territory to LMA Boven Digoel on September 18.
In a copy of the letter signed by LMA Boven Digoel chairman Maret Klaru and secretary Adrianus Moromon, the organisation said it had issued a recommendation supporting the Awyu Indigenous community’s opposition to the planned National Strategic Project.
“The planned PSN programme is the National Food, Energy and Water Self-Sufficiency Area (KSPEAN), which will be implemented by PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara and PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara (Persero) in the customary territory of the Awyu Indigenous community in Boven Digoel,” the letter said.
LMA Boven Digoel said its decision to support the opposition followed a review of the purpose and contents of the Awyu community’s request.
The opposition is aimed at protecting the customary land rights of the Awyu Indigenous community in Boven Digoel, as well as preserving customary values and traditions passed down through generations and ensuring the continued survival of the community.
Earlier, the Awyu Indigenous community in Boven Digoel had declared its opposition to the PSN planned in its customary territory. The community sought support from LMA Boven Digoel and requested a formal recommendation.
According to a letter from the Greater Awyu customary community to LMA Boven Digoel, the project is planned for Anggai village in Jair District and six other districts in the area.
“Based on history, origins, kinship ties, customary control and traditional use, [the area] forms part of the customary land rights of the Awyu people,” the Greater Awyu community said in a letter received by Jubi on Friday night, September 18.
The Awyu community said the issue was not simply about investment or development, but also concerned customary land, traditional forests, sources of livelihood, identity, history, culture and the rights of future generations of the Greater Awyu Indigenous community.
The Greater Awyu Indigenous community therefore expressed its objection to and rejection of the proposed PSN for as long as it involves Awyu customary land and there is no valid consent from customary rights holders through a proper, transparent customary deliberation process free from pressure.
The Awyu community said its opposition was a way of expressing the aspirations of Indigenous people and protecting their land, forests, environment, livelihoods, identity, culture and the rights of future generations.
The community said it continued to respect the government and national development, but development should not eliminate or diminish Indigenous people’s rights to the land and territory that sustain their lives. (*)
