Women in West Java Protect Javan Gibbon Habitat

In Citalahab Sentral village, Bogor Regency, West Java, the Ambu Halimun group empowers women by creating ecoprint fabrics to conserve the Halimun forest and the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch). Formed in 2020, the group provides activity space for local housewives. They utilize the area’s rich plant life to create natural dye patterns on cloth.

Ambu Halimun has identified over 100 plant species suitable for ecoprinting, and now cultivates some of these plants themselves. Members like Mirna Maharani note that previously considered weeds now hold value, both for crafts and for shifting perspectives on the relationship between people and nature. The group’s work extends beyond income, fostering a new awareness of the forest and its inhabitants.

Rahayu Oktaviani of the Kiara Foundation emphasizes that conservation doesn’t always require large programs. She explains that building a sense of ownership within the community is key.

Researchers are currently studying the cultural relationship between the villagers and the forest to refine conservation approaches. While this model shows promise, challenges remain in balancing conservation with economic and political interests.