Separating The Trees From The Forest: The Material Basis Of The Dayak Struggle In Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

Sarawak has become a focus of the international drive against the destruction of the tropical rainforests. Its indigenous people have formed human barricades in the jungles of Borneo to prevent the destruction of the forests, and have been used as symbols of resistance to deforestation. But this resistance is not a conflict over deforestation. It is an expression of a long-standing struggle by the Dayaks to protect their customary land and is only one facet of resistance to an historical process that has made increasing demands on their land and material life.