The Synergy of The Kajang Ammatoa Community in Preserving the Forest Towards Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The Kajang Indigenous Community, located in Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, is renowned for its indigenous knowledge in protecting and preserving the forest. These forest conservation initiatives align with several objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those pertaining to environmental preservation, biodiversity, and sustainable lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the cooperative and interactive processes within the Kajang community of Ammatoa custom in their efforts to preserve the forest and its environment and to analyze the implications of these efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, specifically climate action and life on land. This research employed a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis, namely providing a systematic social picture of the data obtained. Data collection techniques used were observation, literature study and interviews. The findings indicate that the Kajang community of Ammatoa implements Pasang ri Kajang as customary law to enforce forest and environmental conservation guidelines and regulations, a practice that indigenous peoples continue to adhere to. Regulation number 9 of 2015 for the Bulukumba district confirms, acknowledges, and safeguards the customary territories of the customary force. This synergy can promote the notion of sustainable development goals, resulting in sustainable and long term preservation. The conclusion is that the Ammatoa Kajang indigenous people express messages about forest protection by incorporating symbols in the form of physical things and words into their everyday activity, which is consistent with the notion of sustainable development objectives.