The conventional definition of development sees it as interventions geared towards the improvement of people’s welfare. In contrast to this conceptualisation, this presentation will argue that development is a process of exclusion that brings marginalization and creates poverty.  In this regard, the paper will provide an example of development in Jambi that has excluded the Orang Rimba from their place of life and livelihoods. The development, which in this context took the form of logging and forest conversion to plantation, not only threatened the survival of the Orang Rimba due to the significant decrease of natural resources upon which the people depended, but also the loss of space where they can express or practice their culture as a system of ideas.  After describing some tangible impacts of this exclusion in regard to the Orang Rimba, to confirm that the condition was really the impact of development, the paper will look at the condition of Orang Baduy who have --to some degree-- rejected such development. The rejection of development by the Orang Baduy has resulted in a relative socio-cultural integrity in the community. Finally, the presentation will close with a discussion of some scenarios of development and its impact upon traditional communities.

Keywords: development, exclusion, Orang Rimba dan Orang Baduy