Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, one of two Malaysian states located in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Sarawak is home to more than 40 sub-ethnic groups, with indigenous Iban making up 30% of the population. Sarawak’s tropical landscape of jungles, mountains, rivers, and coastline contrasts starkly with the vast array of extractive economic development sites located throughout the state. Industries in the region rely on Borneo’s natural abundance to sustain logging, mining, palm oil production, and river damming for hydroelectric power and water catchment. Beyond the direct environmental impact of these industrial activities, periodic flooding poses serious challenges. Indigenous tribes are scattered throughout the countryside and struggle to maintain land ownership in the face of ongoing development pressures and the government’s acquisition of land for public projects. Large-scale development activities are often planned and carried out with little involvement of people who may be affected and, in many cases, displaced. Indigenous tribes and native rights groups are actively organizing to assert their land claims and promote locally- and culturally inclusive economic development plans.