At the backyards of Momoguns

What are happening at the backyards of the Momoguns? So many, you would say, some good, some bad, some dangerous.

The problem is that bad things are seldom obvious. In fact, these are the very things that evil people or groups are trying to hide from the same people whose livelihood is at risk.

Who cares about these Momoguns, anyway, these people who are indigenous to this island of Borneo? What is the possibility that their very own government may not truly understand them and their aspiration as a people? Are their own leaders fighting for their rights? Are these leaders caught in political maneuverings and compromises that adversely affect the livelihood and even the very survival of their people?

These Momogun people may wish all they want for a better quality of life. These will remain mere wishes for a very long time. Their lot may never change. Things are not going to get any easier any sooner in a world that is becoming more competitive even as you read this blog.

You may think that there are still virgins jungles at the backyards of Momoguns. Can anyone be sure that nothing is happening under the thick canopy of trees that envelope these jungles of Borneo?

You read about experts and companies being given the go ahead by authorities to conduct so-called research in certain parts of the land which are supposed to be protected under the law, having been declared as heritage sites. Can anyone be sure that nothing is taken out of the land? How can this be prevented?

There was this story about the wild flora of Sabah that came out in one of the publications a few years ago. The story was that somebody discovered that species of orchids that are found only in Sabah were seen on sale in some countries. Taking even a specimen of these wild orchids is prohibited. How was it possible that these orchids were available for sale in those countries?

What else are happening right at the backyards of the Momoguns of Borneo?

Who will protect their rights? The law appears to be ineffective. Some people from other countries come only to exploit these people instead of highlighting their plight.

The different governments that own different parts of Borneo would do well to emulate what the Canadian government had done for the Indians of Canada, the First Nations, and what the Australian government had done for the aborigines, the original Australians.