Socialization of the Se'seng customary territory strengthening program. Photo Source: Documentation AMAN
AMAN.or.id – Regional Administrators AMAN Toraya, in collaboration with the Se'seng Indigenous Community, launched the Se'seng Indigenous Territory Strengthening Program through rehabilitation and local food cultivation. The program was launched on June 20, 2025, at the Buttu Limbong Church in the Se'seng Indigenous Territory, Bittuang District, Tana Toraja Regency, and was attended by students from the Bai Pokki' Se'seng Indigenous School.
Chief Executive Officer AMAN The head of the Toraya region, Romba Marannu Sombolinggi, stated that this activity is part of environmental education and the transmission of traditional values to the younger generation. He stated that village education includes traditional ethics, historical origins, an introduction to local foods, medicinal plants, and other local wisdom.
Tridianus Kala Pongmanapa, Head of the Se'seng Indigenous Community, expressed concern over the destruction of the local ecosystem and the loss of customary values. He stated that parts of the customary territory have been designated as state forest areas, preventing the community from accessing resources. He cited Constitutional Court Decision No. 35/PUU-X/2012 and Law No. 32 of 2009 as the legal basis for recognizing customary territories and the community's role in environmental protection.
"Since ancient times, our ancestors lived by the Tallu Lolona philosophy of three pillars of life: humans, plants, and animals. All three lived equally in a bond of mutual care. Now, everything has changed. Local trees are disappearing, local foods are scarce, and even customary practices before entering the forest have nearly disappeared. These are signs that the relationship between humans and nature is being damaged." – Tridianus Kala Pongmanapa, Head of the Se'seng Indigenous Community
Source: https://aman.or.id/news/read/2128
