The Namblong territory, long threatened by mining and palm-oil expansion, now enjoys corporate-backed protection; the first indigenous-owned limited liability company (BUMMA) in Indonesia.
In Jayapura Regency, Papua, the Namblong people have taken a historic step by incorporating PT Yombe Namblong Nggua—the first indigenous-owned limited liability company (BUMMA) in Indonesia. Registered on September 30, 2024, and operating de facto since October 12, 2022, the company now holds legal title to more than 52,765 hectares of customary forest across three districts and 25 villages.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
From Customary Management to Corporate Structure
PT Yombe Namblong Nggua’s establishment marks a strategic shift toward professional, sustainable resource management under national law. “With PT status, our BUMMA can more easily attract investment and develop ventures without relinquishing community control,” said 29-year-old Director Yohana Yokbeth Tarkuo. The transformation provides robust legal certainty while honoring local tradition and customary wisdom.
The Namblong territory, long threatened by mining and palm-oil expansion, now enjoys corporate-backed protection. Encompassing 44 clans and roughly 55,000 people, the community aims to leverage its new status to defend against deforestation and secure lasting livelihoods. longside vanilla, the company plans to offer environmental services and cultural-and-bird-watching ecotourism—ventures designed to boost income while safeguarding biodiversity.
Female Leadership in a Traditionally Male Domain
In a culture where leadership roles have historically been reserved for men, Yohana Tarkuo’s appointment as CEO brings fresh momentum for gender equality. Her vision underscores a broader push to balance modern governance with customary decision-making.
PT Yombe Namblong Nggua’s agenda revolves around:
- Preserving Natural Assets—Protecting forest, water and air.
- Producing Quality, Sustainable Goods—Launching certified organic vanilla.
- Building a Community Economy—Formalizing local ventures.
- Expanding Trade—Entering domestic and international markets.
- Strengthening Human Capital—Offering training to bolster skills.
General Manager Nicodemus Wamafma emphasized that majority shareholding remains with the community entity Iram-Tekay to ensure customary land rights. He appealed for consistent support from central and regional governments: “If large corporations are granted access for state projects, indigenous enterprises should likewise be empowered to manage their own resources.”
Advocates underscore the role of Papua’s Special Autonomy Law (Otsus) and local regulations in recognizing BUMMA entities. Activist Abdon Nababan noted that despite enabling regulations since 2008, implementation has lagged. The Namblong and neighboring Mare communities hope their corporate model will inspire other tribes across Tanah Papua to formalize indigenous enterprises under the BUMMA framework.
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