Pig Farming for Economic Sovereignty of the Lawi Indigenous Community of NTT

The Lawi Indigenous People live in the forest area surrounding the Ruteng Nature Tourism Park, which is managed by the East Nusa Tenggara Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA). They have lived in their customary territory for generations. The majority of the Lawi Indigenous People are farmers, cultivating crops such as rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, and vegetables, to meet their food needs. They also cultivate coffee and cloves for income. They also raise livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats, and chickens.

Unfortunately, the Lawi Indigenous People faced challenges when the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) claimed their customary territory as an extension of the Ruteng Nature Tourism Park Forest. The BKSDA's claim to their customary territory led to the arrest of several Lawi Indigenous People for allegedly encroaching on protected forest areas. The Lawi Indigenous People have undertaken a series of advocacy efforts to protect their customary territory, and they continue to fight to this day.

Therefore, they took the initiative to strengthen the resilience of Indigenous Communities by realizing economic sovereignty. One way to do this is by strengthening the capacity of Indigenous women, particularly in economic matters. They formed the Indigenous Community Business Group (KUMA), which began with a pig farm. This involved procuring 30 pigs, consisting of 25 sows and 5 males. Pig farming practices in Manggarai, including in Lawi, utilize backyards. This ensures the health of the pigs is closely monitored. This is a strategy to strengthen the economic resilience of the Lawi Indigenous Community, ensuring the continued struggle for their rights.