Ondie anak Jugah, 55, an
indigenous Dayak-Iban, has been arrested and remanded today on suspicion of "masterminding"
a blockade at Rh Umping Lepong in Balleh, Kapit. He was taken in by the police
after three reports were made by the logging company, Melukun Sdn Bhd, who is
logging in the longhouse community's native land area. Nine people, including
two women, were at the blockade when Ondie was arrested. The police indicate
that he will be remanded for a night for investigation.
(Source: Sarawak Dayak Iban Association, 23 October 2009)
Kapit, Sarawak – Ondie anak Jugah, 55, an
indigenous Dayak-Iban, has been arrested and remanded today on suspicion of "masterminding"
a blockade at Rh Umping Lepong in Balleh, Kapit. He was taken in by the police
after three reports were made by the logging company, Melukun Sdn Bhd, who is
logging in the longhouse community's native land area. Nine people, including
two women, were at the blockade when Ondie was arrested. The police indicate
that he will be remanded for a night for investigation.

In the meantime, the longhouse community has
reaffirmed their determination to continue their blockade.

The arrest is the latest in a series of arrests
and detentions occurring as a result of the decades old conflict between Indigenous
peoples and the logging and oil palm companies that have encroached onto their
native territories. While Sarawak constitution
and laws provide for the recognition of native land rights, weak government
leadership and policy has led to the issuance of logging and oil palm permits
in the same areas where indigenous peoples live.