“Heart Break of Borneo” draws its title from the “Heart of Borneo” initiative, a conservation
promise by Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia to protect the island’s rainforests. This artwork
vividly explores the physical destruction caused by national borders, highlighting the stark
contrasts in deforestation across Borneo. While borders are social constructs, their impacts are manifestly visible: one side may be ravaged by logging and palm oil plantations, while the other remains relatively untouched.
The piece sheds light on the plight of indigenous communities, who, despite being the original custodians of these lands, face displacement and loss of their ancestral territories. National governments claim the majority of the rainforest, often selling indigenous lands to corporations for exploitation. The artwork emphasizes how these lands, crucial for indigenous survival, are systematically taken away, disrupting their traditional ways of life.
Furthermore, “Heart Break of Borneo” addresses the additional layer of tragedy faced by
nomadic tribes whose cultural identity is threatened by these borders. Forced migration often results in statelessness, as many indigenous people are not recognized by national
governments. This piece serves as a poignant commentary on the environmental and cultural erosion caused by arbitrary borders and advocates for the rights and recognition of these marginalized communities.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Elroy Ramantan, (Dia/He/Him) 27 is a Cultural Activist and Artist from Brunei Darussalam. As an Artist He is known for utilizing the Borneo Cultural & Heritage as a tool of empowerment in advocating for Indigenous Minorities & marginalized groups' voices in Brunei. In 2021/2022 He was chosen as one of the 21 ASEAN Artist & Storytellers where his artwork
highlights the intersectionality of Indigenous Cultural Knowledge and Environmental
Protection. Founder of Minority Agenda, He is involved in various initiatives and projects that aim to bridge Indigenous and Marginalized communities in Civic advocacy as Co-agents of change alongside NGOs & Initiative groups.
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