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| Preserving Peat Forests and Indigenous Wisdom: The Case of Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai |
The Dayak Research Center (DRC) - SEKADAU Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining local livelihoods. In many parts of Indonesia, particularly in Borneo, indigenous communities have long practiced sustainable forest management based on traditional wisdom.
One such example is Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai, a customary forest located in Desa Tapang Semadak, Sekadau Hilir, West Kalimantan. This forest, spanning 38.79 hectares, is not only a vital ecological asset but also a testament to the deep-rooted indigenous conservation practices of the Dayak De’sa people.
Dr. Stefanus Masiun, Chairman of the CU Keling Kumang Board and Rector of the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology in Sekadau, highlights the broader efforts to preserve forests in the region.
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“The forest covers an area of 40 hectares. It used to be much larger, but only 40 hectares have been successfully preserved,” he explains. Among these preserved lands, Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai stands as a remarkable example of community-led conservation. Recognized as communal land under the Areal Penggunaan Lain (APL) designation, the forest is carefully managed by local indigenous groups, ensuring that its rich biodiversity remains intact for generations to come.
Ecological and Economic Significance of Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai
Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, many of which are crucial to the local ecosystem. The forest contains timber-producing trees, fruit-bearing plants, medicinal herbs, rattan, and bamboo, all of which are essential for the livelihoods of the Dayak De’sa people. These natural resources are harvested sustainably, following indigenous practices that prevent overexploitation and environmental degradation.
A particularly valuable resource found in the forest is asam maram, a native fruit traditionally used by the local community. In recent years, efforts have been made to enhance its economic value by processing it into syrup, candied treats, and traditional liquor. This initiative not only provides economic opportunities for the community but also encourages the sustainable use of forest resources. By developing these local products, the Dayak De’sa people demonstrate that economic growth and environmental conservation can coexist, reinforcing the importance of preserving Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai.
Indigenous Wisdom and Conservation Practices
The successful preservation of Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai is largely attributed to the indigenous wisdom (kearifan lokal) of the Dayak De’sa community. This traditional knowledge has been passed down through generations, shaping the way the community interacts with and protects its environment. According to Indonesia’s Environmental Protection and Management Act (Law No. 32/2009), local wisdom encompasses values and traditions that promote sustainable environmental management.
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A study conducted by Selly Rismi Juniarti, Iskandar AM, and Ahmad Yani from Universitas Tanjungpura, Pontianak, identifies six key forms of local wisdom practiced by the community in Desa Tapang Semadak:
Prohibition on Cutting or Stealing Trees
Strict rules prevent the unauthorized cutting or theft of trees within Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai. These regulations ensure that the forest remains lush and productive, protecting its valuable timber resources for future generations.
Ban on Hunting or Killing Wildlife
The community enforces a ban on capturing or harming rare and endangered wildlife. This measure helps maintain biodiversity and ensures that species integral to the ecosystem remain protected.
Restriction on Clearing Forest Land for Farming
Unlike in other regions where deforestation is driven by agricultural expansion, the Dayak De’sa people strictly prohibit clearing forest land for farming. This policy prevents habitat destruction and soil degradation, preserving the forest's ecological integrity.
Belief in Orang Bunyik (Forest Spirits)
Local myths about Orang Bunyik, supernatural beings believed to inhabit the forest, serve as a cultural deterrent against destructive behavior. Many community members fear repercussions from these spirits if they disrupt the balance of nature.
Rituals and Ceremonies (Badarak Ritual)
The Badarak ritual is performed to seek permission from ancestral spirits before entering the forest or utilizing its resources. This tradition reinforces the sacred connection between the community and their environment.
Respectful Conduct in the Forest
Community members are expected to maintain respectful speech and behavior while in the forest, as it is considered a sacred space. Disrespectful actions or language are believed to bring misfortune, further discouraging reckless behavior.
These forms of local wisdom play a crucial role in protecting Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai. By adhering to these traditions, the community not only safeguards their environment but also strengthens their cultural identity.
Challenges and Threats to Forest Conservation
Despite the success of these conservation efforts, Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai faces several challenges. One of the most pressing threats is land encroachment, driven by the expansion of palm oil plantations and commercial logging. Although the forest is designated as communal land, external pressures from corporate interests and illegal land grabs pose a significant risk to its preservation.
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Additionally, modernization and economic shifts have influenced younger generations, some of whom are less inclined to follow traditional conservation practices. As younger members of the community migrate to urban areas in search of work, there is a growing concern that indigenous knowledge and cultural values may gradually erode.
Climate change also presents a challenge, as shifting weather patterns and increased temperatures threaten the delicate balance of the forest ecosystem. Peat forests like Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai are particularly vulnerable to fires, which can be exacerbated by prolonged dry seasons.
The Role of Institutions and Collaborative Conservation Efforts
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves not only local communities but also government agencies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The involvement of institutions like the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices among local communities.
Collaborative conservation efforts, such as community-based forest management programs, offer promising solutions. By providing education, legal support, and economic incentives, these initiatives empower indigenous communities to continue their role as environmental stewards. Strengthening legal recognition of customary forests (hutan adat) is also crucial in ensuring long-term protection against external threats.
Future Prospects and the Path Forward
The preservation of Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai serves as an inspiring example of how indigenous wisdom can complement modern conservation strategies. Moving forward, efforts should focus on integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary sustainability practices. Strengthening legal frameworks, promoting eco-friendly economic opportunities, and fostering environmental education among younger generations are essential steps in ensuring the longevity of these forests.
Furthermore, leveraging technology—such as satellite monitoring and digital mapping—can enhance forest protection efforts. Community-led initiatives, supported by local and international stakeholders, can create a sustainable model that balances economic development with ecological responsibility.
Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai is more than just a forest; it is a living testament to the resilience and wisdom of the Dayak De’sa people. Through their traditional conservation practices, they have successfully maintained a fragile ecosystem that continues to provide ecological, economic, and cultural benefits. As threats to indigenous forests persist, it is crucial to recognize and support the role of indigenous communities in environmental stewardship.
By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts, we can ensure that forests like Hutan Adat Tawang Panyai remain preserved for future generations.
-- Masri Sareb Putra
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