Jakarta, February 6, 2025 – The struggle of Indigenous Peoples to defend their ancestral lands and forests now resonates in a heart-rending musical work. Tuan Tigabelas and King of Borneo collaborated on a new song titled "SUAR," a song of resistance that elevates the voices of Indigenous Peoples in defending their customary rights and fighting against the seizure of their rights and living space.

This song depicts the reality of the struggle of Indigenous Peoples who continue to face threats from the expansion of extractive industries, deforestation, and policies that ignore their rights. With its passionate lyrics and powerful rhythm, "SUAR" has become a symbol of resistance and hope for Indigenous communities across the archipelago.

Tuan Tigabelas, one of Indonesia's best rappers and the singer of "Last Roar," stated that "SUAR" is a form of solidarity with Indigenous Peoples fighting to defend their lands. "This song is not just entertainment, but a call for everyone to realize that Indigenous Peoples' rights are under threat. We must stand with them, protect the forests, protect life," said Tuan Tigabelas.

King of Borneo, a band from Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, emphasized that this song represents voices that have been marginalized. "Indigenous peoples are at the forefront of protecting forests and ecosystems. Without them, the balance of nature will be disrupted. We dedicate this song as a form of respect and support for the continued struggle of Indigenous Peoples," said King of Borneo.

Herkulanus Sutomo, Chief Executive of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) Kapuas Hulu, who was involved in the song's launch, emphasized that the voices of Indigenous Peoples need to be heard more widely. They emphasized that land, forests, and rivers are not only sources of life but also part of the identity and cultural continuity of Indigenous Peoples.

"For us, forests are not just resources, but also our home and ancestral heritage. Losing the forest means losing everything—our traditions, our lives, and the future of our children and grandchildren," said Herkulanus Sutomo. "We invite all stakeholders, including local governments, to work together with Indigenous Peoples to fight for the interests of Indigenous Peoples in securing and managing their customary territories."

Herkulanus Sutomo also highlighted the importance of passing the long-delayed Indigenous Peoples Bill. "The Indigenous Peoples Bill must be passed immediately so that our rights are no longer marginalized. Without a clear legal framework, Indigenous Peoples will continue to be victims of land grabbing, criminalization, and the neglect of their basic rights," Herkulanus Sutomo emphasized.

MADANI Berkelanjutan fully supports the launch of the song "SUAR" as part of a campaign to fight for Indigenous Peoples' rights and preserve nature. "This song reflects a real crisis. Indigenous Peoples are the last guardians of the forest. If they fall, we will all be drowned in a climate disaster," said Nadia Hadad, Executive Director of MADANI Berkelanjutan.

The song "SUAR" is not only a work of art, but also a call to action. "We invite the wider community to pay more attention to the issue of Indigenous Peoples' rights, the recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples. The struggle of Indigenous Peoples is the struggle of all of us—for justice, for the environment, and for a better future," Nadia Hadad emphasized.

The song "SUAR" is now available on the King of Borneo YouTube channel.

King of Borneo x Tuan Tigabelas - SUAR (Official Audio)

Media Contact: Agustinus Surya Indrawan (Aday)

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