Gathering Palm Fruit, Alternative Job for Orang Rimba During Climate Crisis and Poverty in Indonesia

This research focuses on the Orang Rimba community, an indigenous group in Indonesia known for its nomadic lifestyle and dependence on forest resources. When faced with climate crises, such as long droughts or excessive rainfall, the forest ecosystems in Bukit Dua Belas National Park cannot sustain their livelihoods. As a result, the Orang Rimba struggles to make ends meet and fall into poverty. This study aims to identify climate-related challenges faced by indigenous communities and explore alternative sources of livelihood during such crises. Using a qualitative approach, this research focused on Orang Rimba living in Bukit Dua Belas National Park, Jambi Province, Indonesia. The research revealed that when traditional forest resources are no longer sufficient, Orang Rimba collect oil palm fruits from company oil palm plantations or villagers around the national park. This situation often leads to conflicts between the Orang Rimba, companies, and villagers, so a government role is needed to resolve conflicts and source alternative livelihoods that are sustainable and do not cause a climate crisis. This section recommends future research that discusses the pros and cons of plantation commodities impacting indigenous peoples’ livelihoods in the face of climate crises in other countries, especially Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.