April 19, 2018
Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) Solidarity message for the 3rd National Jamboree of Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara (BPAN) and General Assembly
HOTU!
We, the Regional Secretariat, Council of Leaders, and other member organizations of AYIPN would like to congratulate and join you for the third National Jamboree of Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara (BPAN) or otherwise known as JANMAS III and your General Assembly. We regret that we can not be physically present to attend the event but in the spirit of solidarity we are one with you in celebrating this historic event.
BPAN has been one of the most active members of the Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network (APIYN), now AYIPN since it was formed in January 2012. The common issues that we face makes it easy for us to be united in our positions, actions and struggles despite our differences, miles of separation and language barrier. The experience of BPAN has always been a contributory factor in strengthening our network.
The theme “Indigenous Youth: Diversity in Maintaining Customary Areas” of your General Assembly is timely, as we confront the different issues and challenges of our time. Our ancestral lands and territories are under attack to make way for development aggression such as mining, dams, logging concessions, plantations and others under the guise of capitalist economic agenda. The loss of our lands and continuous discrimination of our people contribute to the disintegration of our good values and culture, which in return stops young people to be proud of their own culture and identity. States continue to disregard our civil, economic, social and cultural rights and continue to deny us of basic social services like health care, housing, accessible and quality education. Our way of life is constantly in danger.
It is therefore a continuing challenge and responsibility for us, the Indigenous Youth, to continue the struggle for a better future. We should continuously raise the awareness of our fellow youth, conduct education-campaigns, and more importantly, organize and mobilize the broadest number of youth on matters relevant to the youth and their communities. As youth, there are lots of ways in how we can help our communities as part of our role in defending our indigenous lands, natural resources, culture and values. As agents of social transformation, our energies, creativity, skills and capability should be directed towards the strengthening of your organization and in the development of your communities and the society. We believe that you may be able to perform these great tasks ahead and will continue to achieve success as long as you continue to strengthen your organization by facilitating education, training and exchanges among your members and continuously expand your membership.
As we celebrate the third Jamboree of BPAN or JANMAS III, we honor our heroes, martyrs and our elders; and the best way to honor them is to continue the legacy that they had started. In continuing the struggle, we must unite with other oppressed peoples such as the peasants, workers, women, youth, professionals, LGBT and others in our country. In this profit driven world, we should also work and forge unities with the other People’s Movement and democratic and marginalized sectors worldwide that have common goals and aspirations with the Indigenous Peoples and youth. Through these unities and through our collective work we can craft a better future and ensure the survival of the next generation.
The third Jamboree of BPAN or JANMAS III is a proof that the indigenous youth movements is getting bigger and wider. We look forward for the success of your Jamboree and your General Assembly.
Indigenous Youth, affirm our role to continue the struggle.
Indigenous Youth Unite! Work with other sectors in crafting a better future.
Long Live International Solidarity!
HOTU!
