*Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengembangan Neya (LPPN) is a local non-governmental organization focused on environmental and community research and development in West Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan Province, Kalimantan Island. Its work focuses on providing support and expanding fair, sustainable tourism through capacity building, campaigns, and improved access to resources.*

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 ![Figure 1. Location of Kubu Village, Kumai Subdistrict, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan. Photo: Kaleka. ](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/ourstoryentity/4287982e-2ce3-49ad-bf16-225e0ed985fe.jpg)

In the midst of a living space that is entirely dependent on nature, Amat (27), a Dayak Pesisir from Kubu Village, survives by farming, fishing, and taking on construction work. Shifting seasons, increasingly high waves, and unpredictable natural yields have made him realize that his family's survival depends on preserving nature. This awareness has motivated Amat to become more involved in restoration efforts, caring for the forests and seas that sustain the people of Kubu Village.

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Amat was born and raised in Kubu Village, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan. Living in an environment close to the coast, gardens, and forest areas that have been managed for generations as customary forests, he has become accustomed to following his family's work rhythm—adjusting activities to the seasons, weather, and availability of natural resources. It is this way of life that has shaped his resilience in facing environmental changes that have become increasingly apparent over the years.  \n 

However, Amat's daily routine has been increasingly disrupted by natural challenges and limited resources. In the fields, pests and seasonal shifts often cause rice crops to fail. At sea, large waves and limited access to fuel make it difficult for small-scale fishermen to catch fish. These conditions mean that farming and fishing are no longer just skills, but a matter of survival amid uncertainty.

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To cope with this uncertainty, Amat divides his time between planting rice, fishing when the weather permits, and working as a construction worker when there are orders. Each activity requires alertness and adaptation, from adjusting planting schedules to reading the changing ocean waves. Although he rarely expresses his reflections verbally, Amat's way of life shows an awareness that surviving in a coastal village is not only a matter of skill, but also of adaptation, courage, and a close relationship with nature.

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This change in perspective grew stronger when the Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengembangan Neya (LPPN)—a member of the Kolibri Alliance that focuses on promoting policies that strengthen civil society through research—began to visit and assist the residents of Kubu Village. Initially, Amat's involvement was simple: helping to clear paths, preparing planting sites, and assisting students who came to the village. Through this process, he began to see the forest and gardens not merely as sources of produce, but also as spaces that needed to be restored.

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 ![Figure 2. Amat in the restoration plot. Documentation: LPPN.](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/ourstoryentity/0f0a6c06-5612-485b-b36b-2bb6ca58a968.jpg)

Through restoration activities, planting patterns slowly changed. Residents began to return to planting jelutung (*dyera sp.*), mangoes, and various other forest plants. This assistance did not immediately eliminate challenges, but it provided a perspective on the importance of maintaining land cover for cleaner rivers and better soil structure. 

 \n As he became more involved in restoration, Amat began to see that the forest they were caring for was part of a customary forest that had long been the living space of the people of Kubu Village and its surroundings. It is from this 280-hectare area that the residents depend on many aspects of life, from water sources and food to non-timber forest products. 

 \n Beyond the assistance provided, Amat still holds fast to the knowledge passed down by his parents. He and the villagers still perform the *bebari* ritual before going to sea—a tradition of offering eggs, betel nuts, betel leaves, seafood and produce, and traditional dishes to the sea as a form of prayer for safety. This tradition is not merely a belief, but a reminder of the relationship between humans and nature. 

 \n For him, the land, gardens, and sea are not just places to make a living. There is an emotional and spiritual bond there. Caring for nature means ensuring the sustainability of family life. If the forest is damaged and the sea is polluted, those who live closest to nature will be the first to feel the impact. 

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In the future, Amat hopes that there will be more support for small farmers and fishermen—not only material support but also protection for their living forests. He hopes that the relevant institutions will truly see forests and the sea as the backbone of community life, not merely a source of exploitation. 

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For the young farmers, fishermen, and students who come to his village, Amat's message is simple: take care of nature as best you can. According to him, caring for forests and oceans is not a futile endeavor, but an investment in the future. As long as nature is preserved, there is hope for a decent life for families and future generations.

*Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengembangan Neya (LPPN) merupakan lembaga swadaya masyarakat lokal yang fokus dalam penelitian dan pengembangan lingkungan dan masyarakat di Kotawaringin Barat, Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah, Pulau Kalimantan. Fokus kerjanya adalah memberikan dukungan dan melakukan upaya perluasan gerakan pariwisata yang adil, lestari, dan berkelanjutan melalui penguatan kapasitas, kampanye, dan peningkatan akses sumber daya.*

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 ![Gambar 1. Lokasi Desa Kubu, Kecamatan Kumai, Kabupaten Kotawaringin Barat, Kalimantan Tengah. Dokumentasi: Kaleka.](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/ourstoryentity/9cf6b438-87c4-4f5a-bc54-a0627850c05c.jpg)

Di tengah ruang hidup yang serba bergantung pada alam, Amat (27) seorang Dayak Pesisir dari Desa Kubu, bertahan hidup dengan bertani, melaut, dan mengambil pekerjaan bangunan. Pergeseran musim, ombak yang makin tinggi, dan hasil alam yang tak lagi pasti menyadarkan bahwa keberlangsungan hidup keluarga bergantung pada alam yang terjaga. Kesadaran itulah yang mendorong Amat lebih terlibat dalam upaya restorasi, merawat hutan dan laut yang menjadi sandaran hidup masyarakat Desa Kubu.

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Amat lahir dan besar di Desa Kubu, Kabupaten Kotawaringin Barat, Kalimantan Tengah. Di lingkungan yang dekat dengan pesisir, kebun, dan kawasan hutan yang dikelola secara turun-temurun sebagai hutan adat, ia telah terbiasa mengikuti ritme kerja keluarga–menyesuaikan aktivitas dengan musim, cuaca, dan ketersediaan alam. Pola hidup itulah yang membentuk ketangguhannya dalam menghadapi perubahan lingkungan yang kian terasa dari tahun ke tahun. 

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Namun, ritme hidup Amat kian terganggu oleh tantangan alam dan keterbatasan sumber daya. Di kebun, hama dan pergeseran musim membuat padi sering gagal panen. Di laut, ombak besar dan akses solar yang terbatas menyulitkan nelayan kecil mendapatkan tangkapan. Kondisi ini menjadikan bertani dan melaut bukan lagi sekadar keterampilan, tetapi soal bertahan di tengah ketidakpastian.

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 ![ Gambar 2. Amat di lahan restorasi. Dokumentasi: LPPN.](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/ourstoryentity/6d363679-89ed-4ecd-8650-6870b595e653.jpg)

Untuk menyiasati ketidakpastian itu, Amat membagi waktunya antara menanam padi, melaut saat cuaca memungkinkan, dan bekerja sebagai tukang bangunan ketika ada pesanan. Setiap aktivitas menuntut kesigapan dan adaptasi, dari menyesuaikan jadwal tanam hingga membaca gelombang laut yang berubah-ubah. Meski ia jarang mengungkapkan refleksi secara verbal, cara hidup Amat menunjukkan kesadaran bahwa bertahan di desa pesisir bukan hanya soal keterampilan, tetapi juga tentang adaptasi, keberanian, dan hubungan yang erat dengan alam.

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Perubahan cara pandang itu semakin kuat ketika Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengembangan Neya (LPPN)–anggota Aliansi Kolibri yang berfokus untuk mendorong kebijakan yang memperkuat masyarakat sipil melalui penelitian–mulai hadir dan mendampingi warga Desa Kubu. Awalnya, keterlibatan Amat sederhana: membantu membuka jalur, menyiapkan lokasi tanam, dan mendampingi mahasiswa yang datang ke desa. Dari proses itu, ia mulai melihat hutan dan kebun bukan sekadar sumber hasil, tetapi juga ruang yang perlu dipulihkan.

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Melalui kegiatan restorasi, pola tanam perlahan berubah. Warga mulai kembali menanam jelutung, mangga, dan berbagai tanaman hutan lainnya. Pendampingan ini tidak serta-merta menghilangkan tantangan, tetapi memberi perspektif tentang pentingnya menjaga tutupan lahan demi aliran sungai yang lebih bersih dan struktur tanah yang lebih terjaga. 

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Seiring keterlibatannya dalam restorasi, Amat mulai melihat bahwa hutan yang mereka rawat merupakan bagian dari hutan adat yang telah lama menjadi ruang hidup masyarakat Desa Kubu dan sekitarnya. Dari kawasan seluas 280 hektar inilah warga menggantungkan banyak aspek kehidupan, mulai dari sumber air, pangan, hingga hasil hutan bukan kayu. 

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Di luar pendampingan, Amat masih memegang kuat pengetahuan yang diwariskan oleh orang tuanya. Ia dan warga desa masih menjalankan ritual *bebari* sebelum melaut–sebuah tradisi melarungkan telur, pinang, sirih, hasil laut dan bumi, serta sajian tradisional ke laut sebagai bentuk permohonan keselamatan. Tradisi ini bukan sekadar kepercayaan, melainkan pengingat akan hubungan manusia dengan alam. 

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Baginya, tanah, kebun, dan laut bukan sekadar tempat mencari nafkah. Ada ikatan emosional dan spiritual di sana. Merawat alam berarti menjaga keberlanjutan hidup keluarga. Jika hutan rusak dan laut tercemar, maka yang pertama merasakan dampaknya adalah mereka yang hidup paling dekat dengan alam. 

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Ke depannya, Amat berharap ada dukungan yang lebih berpihak pada kelompok petani dan nelayan kecil–bukan berupa dukungan materi namun juga bantuan perlindungan atas hutan hidup mereka. Ia berharap lembaga-lembaga terkait benar-benar melihat hutan dan laut sebagai penopang kehidupan masyarakat, bukan semata sumber eksploitasi. 

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Untuk petani muda, nelayan muda, dan mahasiswa yang datang ke desanya, pesan Amat sederhana: jaga alam sebaik mungkin. Menurutnya, merawat hutan dan laut bukan pekerjaan sia-sia, melainkan investasi untuk masa depan. Selama alam dijaga, harapan untuk hidup yang layak bagi keluarga dan generasi mendatang tetap ada.

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Living in Harmony with Nature: The Story of Amat from Kubu Village