Taje Traditional School Preserves the Knowledge of the Taje Indigenous Community

The Taje Indigenous Community in Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, is currently facing concerns about the loss of their traditions and traditional knowledge, which they have inherited from generation to generation. This is due to numerous factors, one of the most influential being the influx of modern culture. This modern culture brings with it digital technology, which requires careful application. Otherwise, it could negatively impact the lives of Indigenous Peoples.

As feared by the elders of the Taje Indigenous Community, the uncontrolled influx of modern culture is believed to threaten the extinction of indigenous knowledge. Their mother tongue, indigenous culture, customary law, and even traditional games are feared to be extinct if the younger generation no longer recognizes them and prefers to adopt modern culture, some of which is incompatible with Indigenous traditions.

Based on these concerns, the elders of the Taje Indigenous Community, along with younger generations concerned with preserving traditional knowledge, initiated an initiative: establishing a traditional school aimed at preserving traditional knowledge. Activities at the Taje traditional school are conducted through regular education, from the older generation to the younger generation, including children. 

The establishment of a traditional school in the Taje customary territory demonstrates the Indigenous Community's ability to preserve traditional knowledge amidst uncontrolled modernity. The younger generation of the Taje indigenous people is slowly rekindling their enthusiasm for returning to their traditions by practicing their mother tongue, which had previously been abandoned. They are gradually learning about ancestral traditions in protecting their customary territory. They are also beginning to expand their knowledge of customary law, including customary sanctions.

The Taje Traditional School is crucial for supporting leadership regeneration within the Taje Indigenous Community. This school has successfully formed a group of young people who love their culture, mother tongue, traditions, and uphold customary law, which is crucial for preparing a strong generation to defend and manage their customary territory.