Reimagining Human–Nature Relations

This study explores the ecological worldview of the Sumuri ethnic group in West Papua as represented in their oral narratives. It seeks to understand how the Sumuri people conceptualize the relationship between humans and nature, as reflected in their oral narratives and cultural expressions. Employing a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research combines field observation, in-depth interviews with cultural informants, and textual interpretation of Sumuri oral narratives. The findings reveal that Sumuri oral narratives function as a cultural medium for expressing ecological values and Indigenous environmental ethics. Nature is portrayed not merely as a physical space but as a sacred, living entity intertwined with ancestral spirits and social morality. The oral narratives emphasize three central ecological principles: the sacredness of nature, the interdependence between humans and non-human beings, and an ethic of environmental care. Through storytelling, the Sumuri people transmit ecological wisdom and moral responsibilities that sustain harmony between humans and their environment. This research contributes to the broader field of ecological folklore studies by positioning oral narratives as an Indigenous ecological knowledge system. It also highlights the relevance of traditional ecological wisdom to contemporary environmental ethics and sustainability discourses in Southeast Asia.