Press Release: Announcing the USBA Institute and the Indigenous Cadre School
July 20, 2026 Sorong, Southwest Papua, Indonesia

Administrator’s note:

Terra Abadi Papua (the management body of the new Raja Ampat governing system), in conjunction with the newly formed USBA Institute, have launched a community school program, the Indigenous Cadre School. The Cadre School is an initiative designed as the foundation of a system to strengthen Raja’s indigenous communities, protect customary territories, and promote sustainable natural resource management.  Strengthening indigenous communities and conserving natural resources are the core of USBA’s work.

The Indigenous Cadre School program is the first follow-up to the 2026 Raja Ampat Senate Forum Coordination Meeting where Terra Abadi Papua (Terra Papua) was established. (see that story).

From the Press Release

Charlie Imbir, Head of USBA Institute, stated that “Raja’s communities are currently facing increasingly complex challenges, ranging from pressures on customary territories and social change to the impacts of climate change. For us, Indigenous communities are not merely beneficiaries; they are holders of knowledge, guardians of nature, and our primary partners in building Papua’s future. The USBA Institute exists to bridge scientific knowledge with local wisdom, so that solutions emerge from the communities themselves. The Cadre School is one concrete step toward preparing a generation of Indigenous leaders capable of preserving cultural identity, protecting customary territories, and developing innovations based on knowledge for the welfare of communities and the sustainability of Raja Ampat’s natural resources.”

The Indigenous Cadre School embraces four core values as the spirit of cadre development: learning, uniting, taking action, and safeguarding. These four values form the foundation for developing a generation of knowledgeable, ethical Indigenous youth ready to lead the protection of customary territories and sustainable natural resource management. Learning strengthens capacity, Uniting builds solidarity, Taking Action drives concrete initiatives, and Safeguarding protects customary territories, culture, and the natural wealth of Raja Ampat.

Terra Papua Executive Director Meity Mongdong stated that conservation is more effective when Indigenous communities become the primary actors in managing their territories.

“For centuries, Indigenous communities have protected Raja Ampat’s forests, seas, and natural resources. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of the younger generation means strengthening the future of conservation itself. Terra Papua believes that environmental protection will be stronger when Indigenous communities are the primary actors in every decision-making process and in managing their territories. Supporting the development of a sustainable cadre system is an important long-term investment in safeguarding Raja Ampat forever,” Meity explained.

Through this collaboration, the USBA Institute and Terra Papua hope to foster a new generation of Indigenous leaders capable of bridging Indigenous values with scientific knowledge, strengthening the governance of customary territories, and ensuring that Indigenous communities remain the primary guardians of Raja Ampat for generations to come.

About Terra Papua

Terra Papua is an organization that strengthens multi-stakeholder collaboration to support sustainable natural resource management in the Land of Papua. By promoting scientific approaches, local wisdom, and Indigenous leadership, Terra Papua bridges governments, communities, local organizations, and development partners to create inclusive and impactful conservation solutions.

About the USBA Institute

The USBA Institute is an independent organization that works alongside Indigenous communities to develop knowledge, preserve culture, and promote sustainable environmental management. By integrating scientific knowledge, local wisdom, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the USBA Institute develops solutions for nature conservation, the strengthening of Indigenous communities, and equitable, sustainable development in Raja Ampat and the Land of Papua.

Read the entire Press Release for more information