By: Erwin Dwi Kristianto

The Association for Community-Based and Ecological Law Reform (HuMa) conducted a research with the theme, “Typology of Local Tenurial Rights over Forest Resources in East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan”. In general, this research aims to explore various local tenurial systems over forest resources found in the provinces of East Kalimantan (Kaltim) and North Kalimantan (Kaltara). This typology includes local tenurial systems that demonstrate the interaction between Dayak and Non-Dayak people, as well as the interaction between local tenurial systems and the formal tenurial system (read: the state).

One of the research locations – out of three locations – is in the Orang Lundayeh area in the Krayan District, Nunukan Regency. This location represents a typology dominated by the Dayak community engaging in forest utilization activities. Field research in the Krayan district was conducted from January 17, 2014, to February 8, 2014.
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The highlands of Kalimantan are located deep in the “heart” of the Borneo island. The highlands lie between two countries, Indonesia (East Kalimantan) and Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah). Administratively, it includes the Krayan and South Krayan Districts (East Kalimantan); Bario, Ba’Kelalan, and Lon Semadoh (Sarawak), as well as Ulu Padas (Sabah). Despite being divided into two countries, the highland communities belong to one ethnic group.

One of the areas within it is the Krayan District, Nunukan Regency, East Kalimantan. The Krayan District is one of the districts located on the border of Indonesia and Malaysia. It lies between 115 ° E – 116 ° E and 3 ° N – 4 ° N, with an area of 3,114.20 km2. (Source: Krayan District Government Office) Long Bawan is the capital of the Krayan District.

The Krayan District features highlands, swamps, hills, and mountains with an average elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level and an average temperature of 22.9°C. The annual rainfall is 278.5 mm. (Source: Krayan District Government Office) Most of the Krayan District consists of rice fields and forest areas. Some parts of the Krayan District are within the Kayan Mentarang National Park. The management of the Kayan Mentarang National Park (TNKM).

The only access to the Krayan District from cities in Indonesia is by air transportation. There are two airlines that serve flights from Malinau, Nunukan, and Tarakan to Long Bawan, namely MAF and Susi Air. Using air transportation, the travel time from Malinau to Long Bawan is 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, if coming from Malaysia, Long Bawan can be reached by land transportation. There are three entry points at the Malaysia-Indonesia border: Long Midang, Long Layu, and Lembudud. Additionally, there are small paths leading to Malaysia.
The accessibility of the region makes the Krayan District difficult to reach from Indonesia. On the other hand, there is a high level of social and economic interaction across the border. Generally, the people of the Krayan District still have family members in Malaysia. Moreover, their basic needs heavily rely on supplies from Malaysia.

The number of households in the Krayan District is 3,945 families, totaling 15,228 individuals. There are 7,949 males and 7,279 females. (Source: Krayan District Government Office) The majority of them work as farmers.
As farmers, they cultivate rice in the fields. A famous type of rice from Krayan is called Adan rice, known for its small, fragrant, and tender grains when cooked. On average, 2 hectares of paddy fields produce 300-400 cans (one can is equivalent to 15 kg). Currently, the area of rice cultivation in the district is 27,076 hectares, with a harvest yield of Rp 203,070,000,000.00. (Source: Krayan District Government