Elsa Wijaya, leader of the Benuaq Telimuk indigenous community in West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, received the Kalpataru Award in 2025 for her 14-year dedication to preserving their customary forests.
The award, presented by the Governor of East Kalimantan, recognizes the community's commitment to protecting their 2,612-hectare customary territory, including a 407-hectare protected forest.
This forest is home to rare species and a giant ironwood tree estimated to be 400 years old. The community faces challenges such as illegal logging and hunting, but they receive support from local and provincial forestry departments.
They also received Rp250 million from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility to support community economic activities and build guard posts.
The Kalpataru Award is the highest honor from the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, recognizing significant contributions to environmental preservation. This recognition aims to inspire other communities to protect their environment.