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A three-month rapid ethnographic fieldwork with the indigenous Jahai communities has now commenced

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A three-month rapid ethnographic fieldwork with the indigenous Jahai communities has now commenced
A strong sense of community spirit is evident as indigenous Jahai communities work together to gather forest resources, setting out in the morning and returning by evening.

Rapid ethnographic fieldwork for Voices of the Rainforest commenced on 15 October 2024 across three research sites: Kelantan and Perak with the indigenous Jahai communities, Pahang with the indigenous Semai communities, and Johor and Pahang with the indigenous Jakun communities.

Qayherah Ahmad Zam Zam, a Fieldwork Research Assistant, is conducting a three-month ethnographic fieldwork with the indigenous Jahai communities and is currently based at the indigenous resettlement area of Air Banun in the district of Gerik, Perak.

She is receiving support from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) for short-term accommodation in Air Banun and facilitated access to the indigenous Jahai communities. This location serves as a central hub for the indigenous Jahai communities and includes several villages, such as Kampung Air Banun, Kampung Sungai Raba, Kampung Desa Permai, Kampung Sungai Tiang, and Kampung Klewang.

Nestled within walking distance of JAKOA’s accommodation, Kampung Air Banun and Kampung Sungai Raba are easily accessible, making them ideal for fieldwork. In contrast, reaching Kampung Desa Permai requires navigating narrow, partially unpaved roads, which are often crossed by elephants foraging for food in nearby villages. Further still, Kampung Klewang and Kampung Sungai Tiang lie deep within the reserved and protected areas of the Royal Belum State Park. These remote settlements are only accessible by boat with a journey of approximately 90 minutes, with entry strictly regulated, requiring a special permit from park authorities.

From the beginning of her fieldwork, Qayherah received a warm welcome from the leaders of the indigenous Jahai communities, including Mr Muhammad Askee Ali, Mr Cheneleg Piloi, and Mr Hadi Mes.

Sustained engagement is crucial in the early stages of ethnographic fieldwork. Over the first month, she will focus on developing trust-based relationships with the indigenous Jahai communities, ensuring open and meaningful exchanges.

As relationships deepen, Qayherah will employ consistent yet unstructured interview questions to document Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), allowing indigenous Jahai communities to share personal experiences, traditions, and worldviews in an organic and participatory manner.

The rapid ethnographic fieldwork is expected to conclude by 14 January 2025.