Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — The Kajang tribe, one of the oldest indigenous groups in Indonesia, resides in Tana Toa Village, Kajang District, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi. For hundreds of years, the people of Kajang tribe have upheld a deep commitment to living in harmony with nature, serves as the guardian of the forest.
Despite lacking formal education and modern technology, they possess an intrinsic understanding of how to respect the environment, which they regard as a divine gift and a source of sustenance.
This reverence for nature has not gone unnoticed. International media, including The Washington Post, has named the Kajang tribe among the world’s top rainforest guardians, according to Good News From Indonesia.
Living 200 kilometers from the city of Makassar, the Kajang people lead a simple life, relying entirely on nature for their livelihood. Their society is led by a customary leader, known as the Ammatoa, who is believed to be chosen by divine will. Under the Ammatoa’s guidance, the tribe continues to adhere strictly to traditional laws and customs, particularly when it comes to managing and conserving their forests.
Sacred and Ecological Significance of the Forest
At the heart of the Kajang tribe practices lies a cultural beliefs called Pasang ri Kajang, a set of oral laws and knowledge passed down through generations. This beliefs serves as the tribe’s highest guiding principle and governs all aspects of their life. One of the most important teachings of Pasang is the protection of the forest.
As the tribe’s philosophy states, “Anjo boronga anre nakulle nipanraki. Punna nipanraki boronga, nupanrakki kalennu,” which translates to, “The forest must not be destroyed. If you destroy the forest, you destroy yourself.”
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For the Kajang people, the forest is more than just a natural resource, it is sacred. They believe the forest was the first place created on Earth, making it a holy site for their rituals and ceremonies. Moreover, the forest is considered the source of rain and water (tumbusu’), critical to the tribe’s survival.
These beliefs shape how the Kajang manage their environment, leading them to enact strict conservation rules that prohibit tree cutting, logging, hunting, disturbing beehives, and even uprooting grass.
A Life of Simplicity Rich in Philosophy
The Kajang people live by a philosophy called Kamase-masea, which embodies a traditional and modest way of life. This philosophy teaches them to live simply and only use what is necessary, ensuring sustainable management of the forest’s natural resources while maintaining ecological balance.
Their approach to resource management is reflected in how they divide their forest into two distinct zones under the leadership of Ammatoa.
Sacred Forest (Borong Karamaka): This area is considered the dwelling place of the Kajang tribe’s ancestors. As such, no activities are permitted within the sacred forest, except for rituals and traditional ceremonies. Logging or any disturbance of the flora and fauna is strictly forbidden. Violators face fines and must return any harvested wood to the forest.
Border Forest (Borong Batasayya): This forest is managed under the authority of the Ammatoa, and limited logging is allowed as long as there is sufficient supply. Only certain types of trees may be cut, and the wood is reserved for special purposes, such as building public facilities or homes for those in need.
For every tree felled, two replacement trees must be planted, with the Ammatoa determining the planting location. Logging can only resume once the new trees have grown sufficiently. Furthermore, the felled wood must be transported by hand, without the use of vehicles, to avoid damaging surrounding plants.
Through their commitment to Pasang ri Kajang and the Kamase-masea philosophy, the Kajang Tribe shows compelling lesson in environmental stewardship. By relying on ancient traditions and a deep respect for the natural world, they have managed to conserve their forests for generations. Their practices serve as a model for sustainable living, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving nature for future generations.
(Raidi/Agung)
