The Mentawai Islands, located off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, are home to Indigenous communities whose ancient cosmology, Arat Sabulungan, influences their relationship with nature. This belief system teaches that every element of the environment, including trees and animals, is inhabited by spirits that must be respected. Despite the spread of Islam and Christianity, many young Mentawai still participate in rituals before cutting trees, such as the buluat ceremony, which includes offerings to tree spirits and commitments to replanting. A recent study found that these traditions help protect forests from overexploitation. However, logging activities have resumed, leading to significant deforestation and threatening both ecosystems and cultural practices. Critics argue that Indigenous spirituality alone cannot prevent exploitation, emphasizing the need to understand the complex interplay between culture, economy, and politics. The survival of these traditions may ultimately depend on the fate of the forests they are tied to.