Fish Cultivation for Economic Progress of the Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community

The Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community is located in Wangurer Village, South Likupang District, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. The Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Area covers 5 Jaga or hamlets with a total of 872 Indigenous Community members. Tonsea is an old tribe in Minahasa who live on the Sulawesi peninsula, Bitung City, Airmadidi, Kauditan, Kema, Bitung City, Tatelu, Talawaan and East Likupang. The Tonsea tribe originates from Pakasa'an Tountewoh, which is a sub-tribe of the Minahasa tribe.

The Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community has a tradition of managing the sources of livelihood in their customary area by farming. They plant various types of plants to meet food needs such as rice, corn, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and nuts. In addition, the community also plants long-term crops, namely nutmeg, coconut, and cloves as a source of income. In addition to agricultural and plantation products, the Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community also raises fish, cattle, chickens, and pigs.

In managing their customary territory, the Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community always maintains hereditary knowledge and local wisdom. They create a sustainable life and utilize natural resources responsibly. This tradition is maintained to this day for the welfare of them and future generations. The sustainable management of customary territory not only protects natural resources, but also preserves culture and traditions.

Unfortunately, the Tonsea Likupang customary area is included in the mining ring area of ​​a large company in North Sulawesi. Currently, large-scale land acquisition has been carried out, the customary area in the form of eastern forest, precisely bordering Pinenek Village as a Ring 1 mining ring village has been explored by the company. Many community members were forced to sell their land to the company because they were tempted by the company's enticements. 

Most of the customary areas that were previously plantation and agricultural areas have now become mining areas. This conversion is a problem for the environment in the Tonsea Likupang customary area, because it causes water and air pollution. Agriculture is also disrupted, which is exacerbated by weather uncertainty, causing crop failures and decreased sales results. In addition to environmental impacts, the land acquisition process in mining exploration often results in the eviction of Indigenous Peoples from their own areas. This can cause social and economic instability for residents affected by it. 

Therefore, in the recovery effort, the Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community took the initiative to increase the capacity of the younger generation in the community and improve welfare through increasing the collective economy of the Indigenous Community. This effort is supported by the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding. The main focus is on the cultivation of freshwater fish such as tilapia and carp, because it is considered to have very big opportunities for the community with the presence of many restaurants in the area. Not only that, the demand for tilapia and carp in traditional markets and even in supermarkets is also very promising. 

The effort began with a meeting of 12 indigenous youth in Wanua Wangurer, Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community. They agreed to form a group to strengthen economic independence, as a response to the dominance of gold mining activities that threaten their customary territory. This group then consulted with the Regional Administrator (PW) AMAN North Sulawesi, deliberated to determine activities, work teams, profit-sharing systems, and land use. The results of this deliberation became the basis for focusing on realizing their initiatives through strengthening the economy and rehabilitating customary areas.

The group started the management of the fish pond with a process consisting of cleaning the pond, opening the water channel, purchasing and releasing fish seeds, which began with prayers and traditional rituals. PW AMAN North Sulawesi also facilitates pond management training and assistance. Pond management is carried out in turns by a small team of 3-4 people. 

So far, they have successfully harvested fish three times. After attending training facilitated by PW AMAN North Sulawesi, they are not only able to run the pond independently, but also start to open their own market access. In fact, several local restaurants have committed to receiving the fish harvest.

"We also share some of the fish harvest with communities that are serious about undertaking economic independence initiatives. Although not much, at least it can encourage positive habits in the Tonsea Likupang Indigenous Community, especially the younger generation."

Meanwhile, for rehabilitation activities, indigenous youth groups collaborated with nature lovers groups to plant hundreds of trees in the Marawuwung Plantation area, an area threatened by mining expansion. This activity was continued with a discussion on protecting the environment and indigenous areas from the threat of mining.

"We greatly appreciate the support from Nusantara Fund in efforts to strengthen the economy through fish farming and rehabilitation of customary areas. This program will help communities improve their standard of living while preserving local wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation."

The collective economic and environmental rehabilitation initiatives driven by this youth group have been able to raise collective awareness at the community level about the importance of protecting customary areas from the threat of mining. These efforts have begun to show results, many young men and women who were previously tempted to work in the mines have now begun to reject the offer, because they realize that their customary areas are much more valuable as a source of livelihood. This struggle has also given rise to support and solidarity from various parties.

“Through this program, the Indigenous Peoples in Wanua Wangurer and its surroundings are now starting to actively discuss Indigenous Peoples issues. Then, what is most noticeable is the emergence of awareness to no longer sell land to mines. Even now, the Indigenous Peoples have started to fight back. Indigenous youth are also starting to gain trust in many things. They now have space to speak and be heard. Some indigenous youth are also no longer ashamed to raise livestock or farm.”