Baduy Community Alarmed by Poaching of Protected Wildlife on Ancestral Land

The indigenous Baduy community living in the Gunung Kendeng area of Lebak Regency, Banten, is alarmed by the presence of illegal wildlife hunting. Poachers are targeting protected animals within the community’s ancestral land.

“We received reports from the Puun and from figures within the customary institution that illegal hunting has entered the protected forest. We are responding to the reports from the customary authorities,” said Oom, Head of Kanekes Village or Jaro Pemerintah of the Baduy community, on Saturday (29/8/2026).

The hunters are believed to have entered forest areas in Cibeo, Cikertawana and Cikeusik, which are part of the Baduy Dalam region. They are hunting animals such as the protected mouse deer and squirrels.

However, according to Jaro Oom, other potential targets such as pangolins and protected birds are also likely. He said the hunters carry air rifles during their operations.

“When they are hunting, anything is possible, whether squirrels, mouse deer, pangolins or birds. From the reports I have received from the Puun, the targets are squirrels and mouse deer,” he said.

Oom said the illegal hunting could damage the ecosystem and threaten the safety of wildlife. He noted that the Baduy community has been entrusted by their ancestors, and this mandate continues to be passed down, to protect nature and its ecosystems.

“There are many animals here, including wild beasts. Why must we preserve the ecosystem? We are anticipating that wild animals do not disturb our settlements,” Oom said.

Nevertheless, Oom has not yet reported the incidents to the police. The Baduy community is urging residents living near the ancestral land not to engage in hunting.

However, if the poaching and ecosystem destruction continue despite persuasive efforts, the Baduy community will report the matter to the police.

“We have not reported it to the authorities yet. We are currently issuing warnings and inviting people to sit down together. If the guidance and appeals have been given and are still ignored, we will be forced to refer to the applicable laws,” he added.