Re-greening Customary Lands: Indigenous Peoples Community Suka

The Suka Indigenous Community is one of nine indigenous communities in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi which is under the auspices of PD AMAN Gowa. Over the years, exploitation by the pine resin tapping industry has changed the landscape of the Suka Customary Area. Pine trees that have been tapped excessively eventually die, causing the once lush forest to become barren. As a result, the soil loses its bearing capacity, and the risk of landslides continues to lurk.

With the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, the Indigenous Peoples of Suka together with PD AMAN Gowa is moving to rehabilitate their customary territory. The first step in this recovery effort was to build a nursery center, then 4.000 seedlings of ecologically and economically valuable hardwood trees were planted. These seedlings were planted on the customary lands of Suka and Pattallassang, especially in areas of former pine tapping, critical forests with thin cover, and landslide-prone areas.

This replanting not only restores the ecological function of the forest, but also becomes a new source of income for the community. The types of plants planted are diverse, including local species such as Karoti, Asa, and Enau, as well as plants with high economic value such as Eucalyptus, White Teak, and Sengon. This effort also aims to conserve the Pattingalloang Mapung spring, which is the main water source for two customary areas: Pattallassang and Suka. More than 12 villages in three districts—Gowa, Sinjai, and Bone—also depend on the water supply from the Pattingalloang Mapung spring.

Accompanying the rehabilitation of the Customary Forest area, the Suka Customary Institution also revived the tradition of planting trees in every phase of life, from the birth of a baby, entering school, to marriage. This tradition is a symbol of their commitment to preserving the nature of their ancestral land and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

The Suka Indigenous Community also develops environmentally friendly cattle farming. By utilizing natural feed and processing livestock waste into organic fertilizer, they create a sustainable agricultural system. As a result, the soil becomes more fertile, livestock are healthier, and the value of livelihood sources increases. With more sources of income, it is hoped that the community's economy will increase. This will prevent them from falling into economic sectors that have the potential to damage the environment.

In order not to depend on one business sector, the Suka Indigenous Community has also begun to develop various other economic sectors. They utilize their natural and cultural potential for handicrafts, processed forest products, and build community-based ecotourism. With this strategy, they create new opportunities for the village economy while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Initially, the Suka Indigenous Community certainly faced various challenges, such as limited resources, lack of technical knowledge, and severe environmental damage. They still rely on traditional methods that are not always effective in maintaining their economic and environmental well-being. However, through various trainings that are also carried out in a series of activities, they began to learn about modern techniques such as in local plant nurseries and planting, animal feed management, animal health, and the use of livestock waste as organic fertilizer. The application of modern techniques that still respect local wisdom is expected to improve skills in managing natural resources better and more sustainably.