Tallu Lolona (Three Shoots of Life) – Tana Toraja's Philosophy for Protecting the Bau Customary Forest

Around 95% of the Bau Traditional Area in Tana Toraja Regency is designated as a state forest area, making the Bau Indigenous People lose control over their own living space. The designation also certainly hampers the development of basic infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, as well as closing space and access for Indigenous Peoples in managing customary territories. They are threatened with not having sovereignty over the land they have inherited and guarded for generations.

The struggle for state recognition continues. The proposed Regional Regulation on the recognition and protection of Indigenous Communities in Tana Toraja has been finalized by the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) and awaits ratification. However, further processing remains stalled. This uncertainty prolongs the difficult path to recognition of the Bau Customary Territory.

In that context, the Bau Indigenous Community, the Indigenous Community Business Group – KUMA Mesa Indo'na, together with PD AMAN Toraya has begun strengthening efforts to gain state recognition for the Bau Customary Territory. Activities began with consolidation and outreach, then progressed to two main focuses: rehabilitation of the Bau Customary Territory through planting local trees and Indigenous community efforts through collective pig farming.

Rehabilitation of the Bau Customary Area

Rehabilitation of the Bau Customary Area was carried out by planting 2.000 local hard trees which also have economic value, namely trees. sogang and featherTree planting was carried out across various locations in the Bau customary territory, covering a total area of ​​6 hectares. Forty-five members of the Bau Indigenous Community participated, both individually and collectively. The dry season caused some of the planted trees to fail. However, this did not dampen enthusiasm, and replanting continued.

Tree sogang is another name for sappan (Caesalpinia sappan L.), which is widely known for its benefits in traditional medicine and as a natural dye. feather Rumbia (Metroxylon sagu), commonly known as rumbia (Metroxylon sagu), is a staple food for people in eastern Indonesia. A single rumbia tree can produce 150-300 kilograms of sago flour. Rumbia can also be a sustainable source of building materials and firewood for communities surrounding the forest.

The planting of these endemic trees is an effort to rehabilitate the Bau Customary Territory and serve as a physical marker of the Bau Customary Territory. sogang and feather including Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). These hardwood trees also contribute to maintaining forest ecosystems by preventing erosion and flooding through their strong roots, which regulate water in the soil. The Bau Indigenous Community recognizes that endemic trees are far more ecologically and culturally relevant and, therefore, more resilient.

KUMA Mesa Indo'na Pig Collective Farm

Meanwhile, the livestock sector is another crucial element in the Bau Indigenous Community's strategy. Pigs are a key animal in various Toraja traditional rituals, including the Rambu Solo' (a mourning ritual) and the Rambu Tuka' (a thanksgiving ritual). However, pig availability in the Bau Indigenous Territory is extremely limited, while market prices often skyrocket, reaching three times the normal price. To address this issue, the group decided to establish a collective pig farm by procuring breeding sows.

A total of nine sows and one bull were purchased and distributed to members of KUMA Mesa Indo'na. Three piglets were also added to replace the sow that died suddenly. The first and second monitoring phases showed significant growth in the herd, although one pregnant sow died due to travel stress. The sow replacement process was carried out.

All sows have been vaccinated and given vitamins to boost their immune systems. Within a short time, some of the sows entered the calving period. gestation (the period of time between fertilization (conception) and the birth of the fetus, which occurs in the womb of a female animal), signifies the initial success of the nursery that the Bau Indigenous People are trying to establish.

To support the success of pig farming, technical training by specialized livestock extension workers was provided. Members of KUMA Mesa Indo'na, including those initially pessimistic due to past experiences with unfulfilled government assistance, actively and enthusiastically participated in the training.

The results of the KUMA Mesa Indo'na collective pig farm will not only be used for the ritual needs of the Bau Indigenous Community, but will also become an alternative economic source and a model for a just and sustainable Indigenous-based collective economy.

Tallu Lolona (Three Shoots of Life)

The most important thing about the Bau Indigenous Community initiative together with KUMA Mesa Indo'na is maintaining the connection between Lolo Tau (man), Lolo Patuan (animals), and Lolo Tananan (plants). This is the Torajan philosophy known as Tallu Lolona, three shoots of life that cannot be separated.

For the Torajan people, balance in life is only achieved if humans maintain three main relationships: with Puang Matua (The Creator) and ancestors, with fellow humans, and with nature (animals and plants). Damaging any of these is seen as a sin against Puang Matua and a disruption of universal harmony. This disharmony is believed to have dire consequences—decreased harvests, livestock deaths, and even the threat of famine and extinction.

Philosophy Tallu Lolona is the lifeblood of the Bau Indigenous Community. This value is universal and remains relevant today, teaching that goodness is only achieved when humans, animals, and plants work together for universal harmony. This philosophy is realized through collective work, preserving the Bau Indigenous Forest by planting trees and raising pigs to sustain their livelihoods.