Indigenous cultural priority in customary land development: a case study of the communities Ulu Papar River, Sabah

Abstract

Customary land development in Sabah, Malaysia, involves the intersection of indigenous cultural priorities and the need for economic development. This study was mainly conducted to understand the significance of indigenous cultural priorities in the context of customary land development with the hope to provide an enlightenment on how land development can be implemented within the customary land area without compromising the true cultural value of the indigenous peoples. By examining the cultural priorities of indigenous communities, valuable insights can be gained to guide land development practices that respect cultural values. A qualitative involving 50 respondents comprising the villagers follow up with focus group discussion with local leaders. The result highlight two key aspects of indigenous priority based on individual actualization and community actualization. Individual actualization in relation to customary land refer to individual prioritizes opportunities for indigenous community members to develop their skills, pursue education, engage in meaningful work, and achieve personal goals. Community actualization on the other hand emphasizes community prioritizes initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, cultural continuity, and sustainable economic development. By incorporating individual and community actualization into customary land development practices, indigenous communities can maintain their cultural integrity, strengthen social bonds, and achieve sustainable development outcomes.