Tradition and Nature: Sustainable Synergy in Wewengkon Citorek

Among the lush and green forests of the Halimun Mountains, Lebak Regency, Banten, the Wewengkon Citorek Indigenous Community lives by holding fast to their ancestral heritage. This Wewengkon is one of the last bastions of local traditions and wisdom that have been passed down from generation to generation, including wisdom in utilizing natural resources for life and livelihood. One of the main philosophies of life that is held tightly by the Citorek community is “saetik mahi loba nyesa,” which means “a little is enough, there is a lot left over.” This philosophy reflects the principle of simplicity in managing livelihoods—taking only what is needed and always leaving and maintaining balance for future generations.

However, in recent decades, the Wewengkon Citorek Indigenous Community has faced increasingly complex challenges. Modernization has penetrated into rural areas, technological penetration has changed the way of life, and increasing pressure on their customary forest land has become an unavoidable reality. The customary values ​​they uphold often clash with the changing times, creating new challenges in maintaining the balance between preserving tradition and adapting to progress.

With the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding in an effort to ensure the relevance of customs and traditions in facing challenges and their customary forests remain protected, the Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek agreed to establish a nursery house, a tree seedling breeding center built from bamboo and wood from the Citorek customary forest. The materials were taken in sufficient quantities with full consideration to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and the sustainability of the forest. Through mutual cooperation, 12 community members — including indigenous youth and women — worked together to build this place.

Furthermore, more than 180 kg of total albasia seeds; jengkol; mangosteen; jackfruit; and mahogany as well as petai seedlings (50 bundles); aren (2000 pieces); and durian (50 pieces) were distributed to 5 Kasepuhan Citorek groups. These seeds and seedlings will later be planted gradually in the Citorek Customary Forest, which has been a source of life for them from generation to generation. Their long-term focus is on forest conservation, while ensuring that the forest remains productive for the livelihoods of the Indigenous People.

In addition to customary forests, agriculture is an inseparable part of the life of the Wewengkon Citorek Indigenous Community. The Citorek Indigenous Community views rice not only as a source of food, but also as a spiritual symbol that is respected as the incarnation of Dewi Sri. Each stage in the farming process is decorated with customary rituals and traditions, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and gratitude to nature. The customary rituals that accompany agricultural activities are an integral part of the religious life of the Wewengkon Citorek Indigenous Community. They plant huma rice varieties that are harvested once a year, grow without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, are able to survive in dry land, and can be stored for up to 50 years in a leuit (rice barn). By maintaining the traditional farming system, traditional farming patterns in harmony with nature can maintain the balance of the ecosystem because they are free from the risk of soil degradation.

The Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek realizes the importance of strategic steps to achieve collective economic independence amidst ever-changing market competition. To answer the needs, Kasepuhan Citorek formed the Indigenous Community Business Group (KUMA) with the aim of developing a collective economy that remains rooted in customary values. In a customary meeting attended by various customary stakeholders, such as Kaolotan Citorek, Indigenous Women, Indigenous Communities, and Indigenous Youth, it was agreed to establish KUMA MILA KENCANA as a trademark. This name was then officially registered and obtained a Business Identification Number (NIB). This is an important step, not only to fulfill the legality aspect but also to add value to their superior product "Citorek Red Rice" and bamboo handicrafts to be more competitive and have high value in market competition.

With KUMA MILAKANCANA, the Citorek Indigenous Community hopes to develop the potential of local products not only as a source of livelihood, but also as part of maintaining the sustainability of their identity and cultural heritage. Because raising community welfare does not always have to be by sacrificing traditional values ​​in the process. This initiative opens up more space for young people to be more actively involved in building a collective economy based on sustainable local potential without sacrificing their traditional values.

In the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, all partners are given full freedom to design and implement programs according to their principles, needs, and values, including the Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek. Thus, the Citorek Indigenous Community is able to continue to adhere to local wisdom in various sustainability initiatives in harmony with nature. As an Indigenous Community that has long lived side by side with nature, Citorek understands the importance of maintaining the sustainability of the ecosystem for the welfare of future generations.

Nursery houses, reforestation of indigenous forests, environmentally friendly agriculture, and collective economic development through KUMA MILAKANCANA are their initial steps to increase resilience from the onslaught of challenges that sometimes do not favor Indigenous Peoples. Learning from Citorek, that tradition and progress can go hand in hand. For them, maintaining ancestral identity & heritage and preserving nature are not barriers to adapting to the times, but rather become strengths in building a sustainable future.