SE'SENG TORAJA'S INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY RECONSERVES LOCAL TREES AND FOOD

For decades, the Se'seng Indigenous People of Tana Toraja have faced drastic changes that have impacted their land and resources. In the 1970s, a pine planting program wiped out many native tree species in the Se'seng Indigenous Forest. Similarly, the government's program to cultivate rice as a staple food across Indonesia has significantly impacted the Se'seng Indigenous People's local food crops. In modern times, the presence of instant foods has further driven the loss of local food sources, such as tubers. Samonggo, bitte 'two'and battaeThe loss of local trees and food crops in Indigenous Communities is tantamount to the loss of collective identity. From the perspective of Indigenous Communities, their identity is not only constructed by individuals, but also linked to territory, traditions, plants and agricultural resources within customary areas, as well as food. In addition to all these issues, the Se'seng customary territory's location in the highlands also poses a threat of natural disasters such as landslides and erosion.

In an effort to restore local trees and food crops, the Se'seng Indigenous People engaged the Bai Pokki' Se'seng Traditional School to identify local trees and plants that once existed in their customary territory. The method used was to interview traditional elders. They asked about local trees and food crops, their properties and uses, and their characteristics. After obtaining the necessary information, they then compiled a list of trees and plants that could still be sought out near or within the Se'seng customary territory. To support the local plant rehabilitation and preservation initiative, the Se'seng Indigenous People involved were equipped with knowledge and skills related to planting and maintaining local trees, making organic fertilizer, nurseries, and fish farming. In practice, the Se'seng Indigenous People planted 1.000buangin tree seedlings and 600 uru tree seedlings on a 3-hectare plot. For food crops, they are re-preserving a local food crop that had long been forgotten by the Se'seng Indigenous People. The plant is a tuber called bomb. Apart from bomban, other food crops planted include corn, peanuts, as long as possible (taro), and cassava. They also cultivate local fish seeds bale karappe.

This initial initiative was not only beneficial for rehabilitating critical land and restoring local food crops. It also raised awareness among the Se'seng Indigenous Community regarding the importance of building local food sovereignty. This was despite the challenges of adjusting the planting time, which awaited the rainy season, and ensuring that all community members could participate amidst the busy village activities. The two types of tree seedlings planted, uru andbuangin, served more than just as building materials. For the Se'seng Indigenous Community, uru andbuangin trees hold spiritual values ​​connected to ancestors and nature. The involvement of the Bai Pokki' Se'seng Indigenous School also ensured the transfer of knowledge between generations within the Indigenous Community. Programmatically, this planting initiative has direct implications for the restoration of the 3.787-hectare Se'seng Indigenous territory and the 5.466 inhabitants who inhabit the area. Furthermore, this initiative also seeks to build a collective economy. The economy built by the Se'seng Indigenous Community differs from a capitalist economy that focuses on capital accumulation and profit. Rather, it is an effort to fulfill the collective needs of Indigenous Peoples, including food and other symbols that play a role in binding their collective identity, which is carried out together and sustainably.