For the Akit tribe of Bengkalis and Pelalawan districts in Riau province, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, land is more than just soil beneath their feet: it is their identity, their lifeblood, and their heritage. As one elder has said, “Adat is like a part of the body, an epitome of blood and heart,” where adat means cultural values passed down through generations, with one of its tangible forms being land. Embedded within their ancestral land are wisdom, spirituality, and centuries of tradition passed down through generations. This profound connection contrasts sharply with the commodified view of land that has dominated since colonial times, reducing it to an economic resource to be traded and exploited. Their case illustrates how land grabbing perpetuates colonial legacies, threatens Indigenous cultures, and undermines sustainable development efforts. To address these injustices, we must push Indigenous land rights forward and challenge exploitative practices. Immediate action is needed to navigate these injustices through stronger legal protections, community advocacy, and international accountability measures. A history of marginalization The Akit people are an Indigenous tribe, or Suku Asli, who trace their lineage to the Malay Peninsula. They were historically sea nomads, living on rafts and navigating rivers and coastlines. Today, they predominantly inhabit North Rupat Island, relying on fishing, handicrafts, and subsistence farming for their livelihood. Their animistic beliefs and deep respect for nature have shaped their sustainable way of life. Akit tribe residence, Mendol Island, Pelalawan, Riau, Indonesia. Image courtesy of Nukila Evanty. Despite their rich cultural…This article was originally published on Mongabay
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