KBR 68H SAGA: In their search for rattan the Orang Rimba from Jambi in Sumatera are caught in a vicious circle of indebtedness

The tribe that calls itself Orang Rimba (Forest People) have lived and worked in the area of the 12 Hills National Park, collecting Manau rattan as a source of income. Among other things rattan is often used to make furniture. But the rattan is no longer plentiful. Why has collecting Manau rattan become so difficult?

Has the palm oil industry had a damaging effect on the lives of indigenous farmers in Indonesia? In particular rattan farmers? Source: Source : World Resources/Creative Commons

Who are the different stakeholders in the rattan trade? Is there a solution to the problem of getting the Orang Rimba out of a cycle of indebtedness and poverty?  The team at KBR 68 H went to meet the Orang Rimba of 12 Hills National Park and listened to their plight.

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