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“Woman” Mangrove Forest, Belongs to “Perempuan” in Papua. Where Women Nurture Nature and Heritage Blooms

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Hi FamilIAAS! Did you know that in Youtefa Bay, Jayapura City, Papua, there exists a unique mangrove ecosystem known as Hutan Perempuan. This mangrove forest is not only a vital ecological habitat but also a sacred cultural space where women play a central role in maintaining and protecting the environment through the traditional practice of Tonotwiyat. 

Hutan Perempuan serves as both a food source and a conservation site. Women participate in gathering shellfish and other marine resources, which contributes to ecosystem preservation while sustaining local livelihoods (Forestation FKT UGM, 2022). UNESCO recognizes the ecological significance of mangroves globally, as they are essential for biodiversity conservation and coastal protection. The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is celebrated annually on 26 July, highlighting the importance of these habitats worldwide.

This mangrove forest is also a special space reserved for women. Men are prohibited from entering while women conduct their activities. Traditionally, women work unclothed in the forest, symbolizing a deep connection with nature and a respect for ancestral customs (BBC News Indonesia, 2021). Hutan Perempuan provides women with a space to express themselves freely and pass down ecological knowledge and cultural heritage across generations.

Unfortunately, Hutan Perempuan faces serious threats. Waste pollution has become prevalent, and infrastructure projects, such as bridge construction with installed lighting, disrupt marine life and the forest’s ecosystem. Local reports indicate that pollution now causes skin irritation, which previously did not occur (Hamuna et al., 2018). Without urgent intervention, both the cultural and environmental integrity of Hutan Perempuan is at risk.

LautSehat.id | Women’s Forest that is increasingly polluted

Mangroves are critical for mitigating coastal erosion, buffering tidal waves, and combating climate change. Their complex root systems serve as breeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other marine life while sequestering 3–5 times more carbon than terrestrial forests (National Geographic Indonesia, 2024). Protecting mangroves safeguards biodiversity, supports food security, and maintains cultural traditions, particularly those centered on women in agriculture.

If mangroves disappear, the consequences are both ecological and socio-cultural. Ecologically, their loss would accelerate coastal erosion and carbon emissions. Socially, women and communities relying on Hutan Perempuan would lose a critical source of livelihood and a sacred space for cultural practices (Jubi.id, 2024). The disappearance of this forest threatens generations of ecological knowledge, cultural identity, and environmental resilience.

Hutan Perempuan demonstrates the intertwined relationship between women and nature—a reminder that environmental conservation and cultural preservation go hand in hand. Protecting these mangroves is not just about trees; it is about sustaining life, culture, and the heritage of Papua. (IAN)

Author: Muhammad Alfiansyah

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