Ngerumat Source: Transfer of Knowledge of Water Conservation Traditions in the Osing Banyuwangi Indigenous Community

Many water sources in the Osing customary areas of Glagah and Licin Districts, Banyuwangi, have been degraded due to land conversion and the loss of natural vegetation due to development. Furthermore, the loss of knowledge and traditions related to water source maintenance weakens the community's ability to protect their customary areas. Furthermore, the state has not yet supported community-based water conservation practices.

The Osing Indigenous Community from five villages in Glagah District and Licin District took the initiative to revive old traditions related to ruwatan or nesting sources for water conservation. Grumbling means caring with love, so that nesting Sources mean not only cleaning water sources but also re-establishing the spiritual connection between nature and society through rituals. This initiative involved young people and women's groups. They carried out several types and stages of activities. First, they conducted discussion They consult with traditional elders, source owners, and the village government to determine which water sources are a priority. They then conduct a participatory survey to confirm or deepen the information they have gathered about the water sources. Only then do they perform the ritual. ruwatan They also created a nursery for endemic water-retaining plants to rehabilitate the natural vegetation around the water source.

In addition to planting and water conservation activities, the Osing Indigenous Community also conducts community education to ensure the transfer of knowledge to the younger generation. This includes holding training and workshops on custom-based environmental restoration for youth groups. They also write and publish books and documentary videos, and hold festivals. nesting sources to attract wider public interest.

The impact of this initiative is that the Osing Indigenous Community is able to transfer knowledge and traditions related to environmental conservation to the younger generation. This allows for sustainable community-based water resource conservation activities in five villages. Both the water source rehabilitation and community education programs have impacted an area of ​​24.600 hectares.