Resistance of Indigenous Peoples of "Atoni Pah Meto" to the Conversion of Mutis Nature Reserve into Mutis Timau National Park in Indonesia

This study focuses on the resistance of the Atoni Pah Meto indigenous community in the island of Timor in Indonesia to the proposed conversion of the Mutis Nature Reserve into a national park, noted for biodiversity and geodiversity. The findings from in-depth interviews and documentary research reveal that the Atoni Pah Meto community opposed the proposed conversion to preserve the Mutis area as the heart of their cultural identity and socio-economic livelihood. They are concerned that the conversion would primarily benefit specific individuals or groups, further marginalizing local communities. Their resistance was expressed through protests, collective action, advocacy, and cultural ceremonies, together representing a struggle to assert their rights for justice, particularly in relation to forest management and socio-economic development in their territory. Although the Government of Indonesia has officially reclassified the status of Mutis Nature Reserve to Mutis Timau National Park, we suggest that community engagement and socialization efforts remain essential. Such empowering and engagement of local communities is critical to fostering sustainable conservation of natural resources.