Did many people know that an ancient group in Indonesia has protected a tropical forest for hundreds of years? This group is the Kajang tribe, who live in South Sulawesi.
This tribe is said to be one of the oldest in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Washington Post even stated that they are 'The World’s Best Forest Guardians'.
The members of this community choose to live a simple life without modern technology. They wear plain black clothing and walk barefoot to show that all people are equal. This practice also helps them avoid damaging the sacred soil.
While surrounding areas experience fast deforestation, the tribe's land stays green and healthy. Their success shows that old traditions can protect nature better than modern government rules.
The unwritten customary laws of the community are highly respected by its people. These rules guide their daily activities and maintain a balance with nature.
The Rules of Pasang Ri Kajang
The main reason for their success is an unwritten code of rules called Pasang Ri Kajang. These rules are passed down by mouth from generation to generation. The code teaches that the forest is a sacred gift from the Creator, Turie' A'ra'na.
To protect this environment, the tribe divides their customary forest into three different areas. The most important area is the sacred core forest where no one can enter or cut anything. Other areas allow people to get wood, but only for basic needs like building houses.
No one can cut down a tree without getting permission from their spiritual leader, the Ammatoa. The community must hold a meeting first to discuss the request. If anyone cuts a tree illegally, they must pay heavy fines or face banishment.
Tallasa Kamase-Mase
The Kajang people follow a life philosophy called Tallasa Kamase-Mase, which means living simply. This philosophy teaches people to be satisfied with basic things and avoid greedy habits. By rejecting modern wealth, the tribe prevents the damage that comes with development.
This simple lifestyle is visible in their traditional houses, which are all built the same way. They make these homes from natural materials like wood and woven leaves. Because every house has the same size, there is no jealousy or competition among neighbors.
They also believe that nature is their mother, which means they must respect and protect it. This belief helps them keep their surrounding ecosystem healthy. In this way, protecting nature directly helps the community survive.
How They Save Nature
The unwritten code strictly forbids hunting animals, cutting down trees, or even pulling grass without a traditional ceremony. The community believes that the forest acts as the "sarong of the earth" to attract rain and secure springs. Therefore, saving the forest directly prevents droughts in their dry season.
Their homes are built with kitchen areas in the front to show openness and honesty. This design prevents people from hiding stolen forest goods and encourages truthfulness. Anyone suspected of lying must undergo a sacred ritual involving a hot crowbar.
Furthermore, the local government officially recognized their land rights in 2015 to protect their borders from plantation companies. This recognition has turned their sustainable lifestyle into a national model for forest conservation. It demonstrates how indigenous unwritten laws can effectively preserve biodiversity.
