Mithen, Onesimus Sampebua, Sunardi, Gufran Darma Dirawan
This study aims to determine the local knowledge of communities to preserve the environment in South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi, this research was using a qualitative research approach. The independent variable of this study was the local wisdom of indigenous groups of Kajang, Karampuang, Toraja, and Mamasa. Data analysis involved a descriptive analysis of the results that were obtained from the interviews. The results show several findings. Firstly, according to the local wisdom of the Kajang who as indigenous groups believe in Pasang, literally as customary law that must be respected and upheld by the Kajang communities in relation to environmental protection, in particular with respect to forest resources. Secondly, the local wisdom of the Karampuang community groups that cutting down trees in the customary forest must be authorized by the Gella (indigenous leadership) which requires the planting of trees ten times the amount harvested. If this provision is violated, the people are deprived of their customary privileges for generations. Thirdly, the local wisdom of the Toraja community groups refers to Kombong which literally translates to the protection of forests to preserve wood, bamboo, and other building materials that are used to renovate traditional houses and barns. Finally, the local wisdom of the Mamasa community groups refers to Ombo' which literally means the protection of forest on any upstream or springs, and to Marraruk which literally refers to the planting of protective trees for the village. These four groups of indigenous peoples reflect how adaptable their human experience is with nature, and how they can live as one with nature. The fourth local wisdom, high economic value because it can conserve water resources is needed for agriculture. © Serials Publications.
State University of Makassar, Indonesia
