Randi Julian, founder of HANDEP, witnessed these struggles growing up in the Dayak community which inspired him to protect Dayak land, culture, and communities. He established HANDEP, a social enterprise and sustainable brand that creates dignified economic opportunities rooted in Indigenous identity and forest stewardship. It aims to address rural poverty, forest degradation, and cultural erosion.
HANDEP develops a sustainable village economy that empowers Indigenous Dayak communities, particularly women, through ethical fashion and home décor made from non-timber forest products such as rattan. The name HANDEP is borrowed from the Dayak Ngaju dialect, which means, as a whole, the spirit of working together and helping each other as a family or community.
Since 2019, HANDEP has empowered 250 rattan farmers and artisans across five villages in Central Kalimantan. Since joining HANDEP, the artisans have reported an income increase of over 50%, selling more than 15,000 products over five years. HANDEP has also successfully protected around 500 hectares of forest and planted 1,000 rattan seeds in partner villages through a rattan agroforestry model, helping to conserve existing forests and capture more carbon.
HANDEP believes that Indigenous voices must be at the centre of shaping a just and sustainable future. They aim to continue reclaiming Indigenous identity, restoring ecosystems, and showing that community-led sustainable development is both possible and powerful.
Programme Support
Through the I-SEA Programme with Instellar, we’ll support HANDEP’s efforts to create long-term and fair income opportunities for female artisans while protecting Borneo’s forests. This includes providing practical guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities with potential global customers.
We look forward to assisting HANDEP in empowering Indigenous communities through sustainable crafts and rattan-based agroforestry that protect rainforests and preserve traditional culture.
