Maps as a Strategy for the Protection of the Wuasa Poso Indigenous Community and the Regeneration of Indigenous Knowledge 

The Wuasa Indigenous Community in Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, is currently facing threats to its living space due to overlapping claims over its customary territory and the Lore Lindu National Park. The Wuasa Indigenous Community is beginning to recognize the serious threat that will befall its customary territory if it does not immediately consolidate to protect its customary territory. Therefore, the Wuasa Indigenous Community has taken the initiative to create a map of its customary territory, involving all elements of the Indigenous Community, from traditional elders and community members to the younger generation. This process is part of the Indigenous Community's advocacy effort to gain recognition for its customary territory.

The customary territory mapping activity began with preparation and outreach. It began with a discussion of the mapping plan with traditional leaders, village heads, and members of the Wuasa Indigenous Community. During this discussion, a mapping team was formed, consisting of members of the Indigenous Community, including the younger generation. Prior to collecting spatial and social data, the mapping team attended a workshop to conduct initial identification by creating a sketch map of the customary territory based on the community's collective memories and knowledge. This included identifying customary territory boundaries, sacred site names, and applicable customary norms. During the data collection process, the team conducted a field survey to verify the sketch map using GPS to collect accurate coordinates of the boundaries and previously identified important points.

The series of processes outlined above resulted in a mapped customary area of ​​3.767 hectares. The Wuasa Indigenous Community recognizes this customary territory map as an advocacy tool to defend its customary territory from the threat of government claims. The Indigenous Community continues to seek recognition of its rights by submitting a request for recognition to the local government, based on the map they already possess.

Through this mapping, Indigenous Peoples are rediscovering their knowledge of place names, territorial boundaries based on ancestral stories, and sacred locations, and are passing them on to younger generations. Indigenous Peoples recognize that maps are not only a tool for advocating for the protection of their customary territories, but also a strategy for passing on knowledge to future generations.