Transformation in leadership within the Orang Rimba, an Indonesian contemporary hunter-gatherer group

This paper examines the leadership dynamics among the Orang Rimba, one of Indonesia’s few contemporary hunter-gatherer communities, which has undergone significant social, economic and political changes in recent decades. It aims to understand how these dynamics operate in a contemporary context, particularly through increasing direct interactions with new, influential stakeholders and broader communities. The findings indicate that members of the Orang Rimba are more likely to recognise and respect individuals who possess qualities relevant to their social and ecological contexts, such as communication skills, experience with influential stakeholders or a comprehensive understanding of the ‘outer world’. Through years of participatory observation and historical-ethnographic analysis, this study also identifies factors influencing leadership dynamics, including interactions with new influential stakeholders, ecological changes and pressures to adopt a less traditional lifestyle. These factors impact Orang Rimba’s leadership as they are now required to navigate complex relationships, advocate for the community’s interests, and uphold traditional values in the face of modernisation and uniformisation. In conclusion, Orang Rimba’s leadership illustrates how contemporary hunter-gatherer groups in Indonesia adapt to ongoing social, economic and political changes while preserving their traditional values.