The Sebiau Jaya Farmers Group's Collective Pig Farming Economy for the Sustainability of Traditional Rituals

In Sanjan Hamlet, Sungai Mawang Village, Sanggau Regency, the Sebiau Dayak Indigenous Community continues to maintain the traditions and rituals that have been passed down through generations. In every phase of life, from birth, death, marriage, harvest, and even traditional medicine, the presence of livestock such as chickens, dogs, and especially pigs is an integral part of traditional rituals. In farming, for example, the process of cultivating the land, the harvest festival, and the post-harvest thanksgiving known as... nosu minu podi, or larger is called gadget, the presence of livestock such as chickens, dogs, and especially pigs is a must for the completeness of traditional rituals.

However, since 2020, a plague has struck pig herds, causing mass deaths among domestic pigs and even spreading to wild boar populations. The impact is still felt today: a shortage of pigs in villages and high prices inevitably impact the continuity of traditional rituals.

This situation sparked a collective initiative. The Sebiau Jaya Farmers Group, consisting of 24 male and female members, took action to address the pig crisis. They began developing pig farming as a way to simultaneously address two needs: ensuring the availability of animals for traditional rituals and creating economic opportunities for the Indigenous community.

The first step began with deliberation. The group agreed to use a plot of land belonging to one of its members as the location for the pen. Construction was carried out through mutual cooperation without wages, a form of collaboration that reflects the strength of the collective values ​​of the Indigenous community. Indigenous women were actively involved, from transporting sand and concrete blocks to planting cassava for the pigs.

Construction of the enclosure took place from December 2024 to early January 2025. Each stage of the work, from casting the foundation, laying the bricks, installing the zinc roof, to installing the drainage system, was carried out in stages and involved all members. On December 12, 2024, before the physical process began, the community performed a ritual. poya crumbs as a form of respect to the land's guardian spirits and an effort to protect the pens and livestock that will inhabit the area. For them, this ritual of respect is mandatory to ensure business continuity.

A total of 22 sows were finally delivered. However, not everything went smoothly. The newly completed permanent pen proved to be less than ideal for the livestock: the smell of cement was still strong, air circulation was limited, and heavy rain continued to lash the area. As a result, the pigs' health declined, and four died within a few days. In response, the group immediately conducted an assessment. They agreed to build a makeshift wooden pen to provide more comfort for the livestock. On February 7, 2025, the new pen was completed, and the following day the livestock were evacuated to a safer location.

The entire process was carried out with assistance from the Tapakng Olupm Macatn Sangi' Association, a local organization that has been assisting the Sebiau Indigenous Community in mapping customary territories and advocating for customary forests since 2010. Coordination was also carried out with the Sanggau Regency Animal Husbandry Office. On February 12, 2025, a team from the local government visited to check the health of the livestock, provide vitamins, and ensure that the livestock system met basic animal health standards.

The Sebiau initiative is not just about building a barn or buying livestock. Rather, it symbolizes the ability of Indigenous Peoples to address their own challenges in ways that are relevant to local needs, culture, and capacity. Furthermore, by growing their own feed, such as cassava, on their own land, the community is working to break dependence on external supply chains and maintain the sustainability of the system they have built. Furthermore, Sebiau's success has sparked renewed enthusiasm among other villagers—two groups in Sungai Mawang Village, comprising 864 women, 964 men, and 608 young people—who are motivated to build similar pig farms.

During the implementation of the activities, the Indigenous Community also noted several important lessons. One of these was the importance of cooperation among members. In the report, the group emphasized that the successful construction of the pens and management of the livestock would not have been possible without effective collaboration, including recognition of women's roles in various stages of the work. This awareness strengthened the community's internal solidarity and increased the chances of future sustainability.

The existence of collective farms ensures the Indigenous People's stable access to pigs for ritual purposes. Previously skyrocketing prices and uncertain supplies are now being gradually addressed. For the Sebiau Indigenous Community, awareness of the importance of preserving traditions and nature through practices appropriate to the local context is invaluable social capital. Maintaining rituals means maintaining the sustainability of the Indigenous Community itself.