"This Place is the Source of Our Identity": The Case of the Indigenous People of Atoni Pah Meto with the Mutis Timau National Park in Indonesia

Erna Suminar, Pawito Pawito, Prahastiwi Utari, Drajat Tri Kartono

Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Identity is always intertwined with collective identity and the surrounding natural environment, and it is the fundamental foundation that defines who they are to the surrounding nature. In the context of decision-making, Mutis Timau National Park shows that a lack of voice in Indigenous peoples is accommodated and a lack of identity recognition, but only involves specific individuals selectively. This paper is based on an explanatory case study, and the findings of this study reveal the importance of space for better environmental policy design, especially those guided by collaborative action in environmental decisions by accommodating the voices of indigenous leaders or community leaders from various clans fairly. Environmental communication with respect for culture and identity recognition will enhance collaboration and support the effectiveness of nature conservation and socio-cultural sustainability. The theoretical contribution of this research corroborates a significant contribution to the environmental communication literature and offers a practical framework contribution to be applied to inclusive communication strategies in a global context.

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/JSParchives/%22this-place-is-the-source-of-our-identity%22%3A-the-case-of-the-indigenous-people-of-atoni-pah-meto-with-the-mutis-timau-national-park-in-indonesia