Patongloan Indigenous Women: Harmonization of Patongloan Ecosystem and Indigenous Culture

The Patongloan Indigenous Community located in Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, still strongly maintains their traditions and hereditary knowledge. In the Patongloan Indigenous Community, the majority of whose population are secondary crops and coffee farmers, hereditary knowledge regarding land processing techniques, seed selection, and planting patterns adjusted to the local lunar and weather cycles - all to maintain the quality of the harvest and the sustainability of the ecosystem - is passed down from generation to generation.

The role of Indigenous Women is very important in Indigenous communities, because generally women are the ones who carry hereditary knowledge. Indigenous Women are also the ones who maintain local traditions and values ​​in sustainable natural resource management practices, ensuring that they can continue to be passed down. Knowledge is not only in the form of traditions, including natural resource management techniques, but also traditional healing wisdom, and cultural practices that support their social and environmental balance.

To ensure that cultural heritage is not lost and remains relevant, the community initiated an Indigenous Women’s education program supported by the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding. The program aims to document the knowledge of Patongloan Indigenous Women in natural resource management and cultural rituals, while strengthening their role in the community structure.

The Patongloan Indigenous Women's education program began with a series of initial meetings involving community leaders, traditional leaders, and Indigenous Women from three villages, namely Patongloan, Benteng Alla, and Benteng Alla Utara. Then divided into three Indigenous Women's study groups, each consisting of around 19 people. To create a comfortable environment for Indigenous Women so that they feel free to share knowledge and experiences, the group names were chosen from local symbols, such as the names of plants or animals related to local culture.

In small groups, Indigenous Women are more free to discuss the various inherited knowledge they have, including traditional healing practices and customary rituals for various important events, such as weddings, births, and funerals. In addition, training is held on documentation of Indigenous Women's knowledge. The training includes various practical sessions, where participants learn to record and document their knowledge in writing and in visual form.

The facilitators consisted of more experienced traditional figures, leading the sessions with reflection techniques, encouraging participants to explore and recall their traditional knowledge. For example, in one session, the women shared traditional healing methods using local plants, such as laruna leaves for wounds and bulawan leaves for treating smallpox. Each step of the treatment was recorded in detail, from how to collect and prepare the ingredients to the rules and prohibitions that need to be considered when the treatment is carried out.

In line with the documentation training, the program also initiated collective garden activities in each village as a real practice of implementing the knowledge of Patongloan Indigenous Women in land management. The gardens are managed together by group members, with secondary crops and coffee being the main commodities.

Indigenous women use planting methods adapted to the local lunar cycle and weather, a technique passed down from their ancestors and proven effective in maintaining the quality of the harvest. In addition, activities in the garden are an important moment for members to exchange experiences on planting and plant care techniques, from selecting seeds to controlling pests naturally.

The collective garden is also a place for carrying out various traditional rituals, such as communal prayers before planting and thanksgiving rituals after the harvest. The older Indigenous Women lead the ceremonies, teaching the younger ones about the importance of gratitude and respect for nature. Each ritual is documented, including details of the prayers and procedures, as an important part of the cultural heritage that lives on in the daily life of the community.

Each group held regular meetings to discuss their findings and experiences in their collective gardens, and to share traditional family healing practices. In one exchange session, an Indigenous Woman shared about the use of kadingeh bark and young bananas to treat boils, a practice that has been passed down through generations in their community. The practices were then discussed by other group members, and facilitators helped identify alternative plants that might be available in other villages.

Each group shares their experiences and achievements over the four months in a reflection and evaluation agenda. Here the Indigenous Women highlight how the program has opened up opportunities for them to strengthen their cultural identity and feel supported by each other. The documentation of the knowledge they have collected is compiled in the form of books and visual notes that will be stored in the community center, available to all community members who want to learn.

Documentation of the knowledge and practices of Patongloan Indigenous Women serves as a bridge between genders and generations, ensuring that local wisdom about nature remains relevant amidst the dynamics of climate change challenges. Documented knowledge can be used as educational and advocacy material, both within and outside the Indigenous Community, so that others can learn and adopt similar good practices to maintain the sustainability of their ecosystems. In addition, the experience of collective gardens has a great influence, economically and socially, because it can strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Indigenous Women.