Date of Award

Summer 1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography

Abstract

Indonesia has been blessed with the second most ecologically diverse rain forests in the world. The Indonesian government has recognized the importance of preserving these natural resources as they are in jeopardy of extinction with wide spread logging in direct competition for forest resources. These forests are also home to most of Indonesia's 1.5 million indigenous people who rely on natural resources for survival.

This study analyzes the natural resource use and exploitation of the indigenous Mentawai of Siberut Island, Indonesia. The Mentawaians are atypical as they have historically practiced conservation by following strict taboos and "Adat", the customary law. Recent changes due to modem influences have changed the lifeways of the Mentawaians which may be causing a transformation of former conservation practices. In 1995 the entire western half of Siberut Island was declared a national park. This has or will greatly impact the Mentawaians, as a new prototype of conservation will be practiced as well as the development incorporated into the conservation plan.

Statistical data from the Duke- PI-IP A Survey 1995 and ethnographic research conducted in 1997 were used to identify differences in resource use and economic utility of residents living in the national park and those living on the outskirts in the buffer zone. Differences in resource extraction between both groups were identified and used to identify contrasts in the lifeways of park zone residents and buffer zone residents. Evident differences were found, the Mentawai residing in the buffer zone were extracting forest resources far more heavily than park residents. Buffer zone residents have also maintained much of their traditional cultural traits, whereas the park zone residents have had much influence from the Catholic church and have experienced culture change. Outside influences have had cultural impacts which indirectly modifies resource extraction and use on Siberut.

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