For years, the Punong Indigenous People of Pu Rang village—home to 64 families within the biodiverse Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary—have sought formal recognition of their ancestral lands.

Despite submitting applications for 21 parcels spanning 775.83 hectares, their Indigenous Collective Land Title (ICLT) was obstructed by unresolved land disputes with outsiders.

Tensions mounted as delays persisted, leading to discouragement and the threat of community disbandment. Yet in a pivotal moment on June 6, 2024, My Village Organization (MVi), alongside CLEC and CIPO, convened a high-level community meeting with a Ministry of Interior representative. This event reenergized the community’s determination to pursue land justice.

In 2023, MVi supported the Pu Rang community in petitioning the Senate to resolve a long-standing conflict over 255 hectares of contested land.

Their appeal urged intervention from both the Senate and provincial authorities, citing the barriers the dispute posed to securing their ICLT.

Initially met with hesitation due to internal challenges, the community stood firm, exemplifying resilience through organized advocacy.

The momentum continued. On September 19, 2024, the Ministry of Interior convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to gather facts and chart a resolution path. Encouraged to speak directly, Pu Rang representatives presented their grievances and supporting evidence. A follow-up meeting was held on January 31, 2025, signaling increased urgency and attention from national authorities.

Ultimately, Pu Rang’s unwavering efforts bore fruit: the 255-hectare dispute was resolved, clearing a major obstacle in their ICLT process. This victory not only secured their territorial rights but also affirmed the strength of collective voice, legal advocacy, and Indigenous-led mobilization.

The Pu Rang experience stands as a beacon of how perseverance and community solidarity can overcome systemic barriers and protect Indigenous heritage for generations to come.