Samarinda, June 23 -- An indigenous leader from West Kutai District (Kubar), East Kalimantan, has received the prestigious Kalpataru Award for his 14-year push to protect the customary forest belonging to the Benuaq Telimuk Indigenous Law Community (MHA) in Penarung village.

The award was conferred by the Governor of East Kalimantan.

"Since long ago, we have preserved our forests because we benefit from their non-timber resources," Elsa Wijaya, the award recipient and head of the MHA Benuaq Telimuk, said in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on Monday.

"But it was 14 years ago that we formally and seriously committed to protecting the forest through our customary institution," he added.

Thanks to its sustained efforts and collaboration with ...