Humanitarian mission backs Long Tepen Penans in land rights struggle

Borneo Post

5 days ago

George ( left) hands over the donation to the representatives of the Penan community in Long Tepen.
MIRI (July 24): The Penan communities from Tinjar and Belaga, along with members of the Dayak community, have extended humanitarian aid to the Penan folks of Long Tepen, Baram, who are currently engaged in a peaceful blockade to defend their ancestral land rights.
The solidarity initiative involved the delivery of essential food items and moral support to the community, which has maintained its presence at the protest site.
Led by Gilbert Magok, the contributions included mineral water, rice, coffee, sugar, and instant noodles, all of which were handed over to the Long Tepen residents.
A community representative, who wished to be identified as George, told The Borneo Post that the initiative stemmed purely from a place of concern for their fellow indigenous brethren and bore no connection to political groups or external agendas.
'It is a purely humanitarian nature, and this donation serves as a moral support and a sign of solidarity for our tribe to continue being strong in fighting for our customary land rights,' George said.
He said the effort was part of what the community called a 'Dayak peace trust', which took place on Sunday, July 20.
'My tribe and I completed what we call the Dayak peace trust,' he said, highlighting how the collective effort brought together indigenous communities from across the region.
Support came from the Penans in Tinjar Lapok and Urun Belaga, alongside members of the Sarawak Dayak community, and the Padawan Bidayuh tribes.
'The donation was intended to ease the daily challenges faced by those stationed at the blockade location, where Long Tepen residents continue their peaceful demonstration to protect their ancestral lands,' George said.
He reiterated that the mission is entirely non-political, focusing instead on strengthening inter-tribal unity in the face of shared challenges.
The Long Tepen community has been engaged in a blockade against logging activities by a company operating in the area.
Two men, aged 52 and 57, were reportedly arrested on June 30 by the police for allegedly obstructing Sarawak Forest Department officials from carrying out their duties.
The duo was remanded for four days before being released on bail, pending further instructions from the Sarawak Attorney General's Chambers. ancestral land rights humanitarian aid Long Tepen Penan