“The presence of the extractive mining industry presents new challenges to the sustainability of cultural heritage in Sagea, North Halmahera, North Maluku. This extractive industry has contributed to a profound cultural shift in Sagea. There has been a gradual erosion of traditional practices, rituals, and cultural wisdom, especially those connected to nature. It is not impossible that Sagea's knowledge and culture will gradually disappear if this situation is left unchecked.”

Facing the Challenges of Extractive Industries by Strengthening Youth Identity and Resilience in Sagea

In Sawai language, “Gae re gele neste rfaftote bo tajaga re tpalihara ite rir pnuw re boten e nje fafie” means conveying a message to the younger generation to diligently care for and protect their village and land. This wisdom has been passed down from ancestors and embedded as a life principle in the culture of the Sagea community, Central Halmahera, North Maluku. However, over time the transfer of cultural knowledge between generations has weakened.

The presence of the mining industry has worsened the situation, even threatening the sustainability of cultural heritage. In the past 13 years, the presence of mining companies has significantly changed the mindset and behavior of the Sagea Community. The IWIP operation, which began five years ago, has further accelerated this change. Many villagers, including some elders and community leaders, have sold their land to the company.

Fortunately, there are still some who remain steadfast in protecting the land from the onslaught of the extractive industry, sticking to their agricultural roots. In fact, several sacred sites have been included in mining concession areas. Not to mention the influx of thousands of workers from outside Sagea will further drown the cultural identity of the Sagea community. Among young people, the temptation to work in the mining sector is becoming increasingly attractive, many choosing to work immediately after graduating from high school rather than continuing their higher education.

The extractive industry has certainly contributed to the cultural shift in Sagea. There has been a gradual erosion of traditional practices, rituals and cultural wisdom, especially those connected to nature. It is not impossible that Sagea knowledge and culture will gradually disappear if this situation is allowed to continue. It is necessary to immediately connect with and preserve the knowledge and culture that has supported the Sagea way of life for generations.

In response to this challenge, young people of Sagea are committed and working to protect and revitalize knowledge and culture before it is lost to time. This effort is very important, not only for the preservation of culture but also to strengthen the identity and resilience of the community in the face of pressure from the extractive industry. So, two years ago the Fakawele Community was established in Sagae Village.

The community focuses on cultural documentation, developing a community library, and facilitating community education in Sagea. The name “Fakawele” comes from the Sawai language, meaning “to repair or restore.” One of Fakawele’s main initiatives was the formation of the “Save Sagea” Movement or #SaveSagea, a coalition that mobilizes young people to oppose the influence of the mining industry and encourages them to value and protect their village.

With the support of Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, the Fakawele Community carried out three main activities in the period February - July 2024: Village Volunteer School (SRK); Inventory and Documentation of Local Wisdom and Village Knowledge, and Improvement of Library Infrastructure at the Fakawele Community headquarters. These three activities were formulated and agreed upon by the community to answer the challenges they face as well as to support the "Save Sagea" movement.

The Village Volunteer School (SRK) in this program is the first of its kind conducted by the Fakawele Community. The Village Volunteer School was attended by 23 young Sagea participants – most of whom had just graduated from high school – to network and facilitate young Sagea people to learn about their rights; increase their capacity; and strengthen their identity as by rediscovering some ancestral knowledge in the village. SRK participants such as Isnain Fabanyo and Alisna Ansar have stated how the Village Volunteer School has sharpened their awareness of the importance of protecting their environment, culture, and natural resources from the threat of the mining industry.

SRK activities include indoor and outdoor sessions, culminating with a field trip to important sites in the Sagea area, such as ancient burial grounds, traditional fish drying sites, and sacred places around Lake Sagea. SRK then continues with research activities to inventory and document Sagea knowledge and culture such as traditions, rituals, spells, traditional medicines, and arts. The data collection process involves interviews with elders, recordings of traditional music, collecting old maps and photographs, and mapping sacred sites to create a map of the Sagea community's customary territory.

Valuable cultural data and records findings including written, visual, audio, audiovisual, and spatial data were then processed into articles, booklets, and fact sheets to be disseminated through social media, the Fakawele Community website, and exhibitions. Knowledge sharing is a space to share experiences and insights gained during participants’ research on the history of Sagea Village. This activity also produces educational modules that will be important resources for the community in their efforts to protect and sustain their village.

The infrastructure upgrade of the community library at Fakawele headquarters involved the procurement of essential equipment, including computers, printers, tables, chairs, bookshelves, and whiteboards. The library houses a collection of 1.000 books, old maps, and magazines, serving as a vital resource for community members, serving as a center for learning, discussion, and preservation of Sagea knowledge. This initiative is in line with the Nusantara Fund’s objective to establish a “People’s Education Center,” to build; restore, and/or enhance the capacity, knowledge, and skills of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in defending, protecting, and managing their lands, territories, and resources.

The Nusantara Fund Direct Funding support is the first external funding received by the Fakawele Community. Before this, the community relied solely on member contributions to run its activities. The Nusantara Fund Direct Funding is an important instrument to ensure that the efforts, voices and good practices – of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities – continue to live in a changing world. Such as the efforts of the Fakawele community in revitalizing and protecting the heritage of knowledge, culture and natural resources in the face of extractive industry exploitation in Sagea.

What the Fakawele Community has done is not only for Sagea but can also be a precedent for other local communities facing similar challenges. That the revitalization of local knowledge and culture can be a powerful tool in fighting the forces of extractive industries, exploitation and homogenization in globalization.