Who we are

A coalition advocating indigenous peoples’ rights in Malaysia. There were plans to establish a national network was conceived and discussed by activists and supporters of the indigenous movement in the early 80s . The decision to establish this network wase made during a meeting in Poring , Sabah in 1992. In 1996 , formal meetings and the establishment of a network eventually held in Kudat , Sabah . At that time, this network consists of 10 organisations of indigenous peoples from all over the country .

JOAS been registered in Sabah under the Business Names Ordinance of Sabah in 2003 in the district of Penampang , Sabah on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples Network JOAS. In 2009 , JOAS can create a central secretariat which is located Pekan Papar , Sabah .

The central secretariat functions to manage travel JOAS activities and also as a centre for the dissemination of information to members of the network .

Our working groups
• Human rights
• Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and biodiversity
• Forests and protected areas
• Climate change
• Women
• Youth
• Media advocacy
• Capacity building

Our partners
JOAS has long-standing experience in negotiating relationships and cooperation with the authorities and all parties who hold interests in an effort to address various issues relating to indigenous peoples , especially as the issue of customary land , territories, and natural resources, including other issues respect their rights.
JOAS a member of the Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact ( AIPP ) based in Chiang Mai , Thailand , as an umbrella organisation for organisations of indigenous peoples throughout Asia

Our expertise
JOAS membership is only open to the village committee or body of the people , whether registered or appointed by custom ( private persons are not admitted as members ). Membership is by application form or letter that is available or / and transmitted to the Secretariat JOAS .

Media Coordinator is Sze Ning, can be reached here.

Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia /Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS)