By: Silfa Tiana Rifki, Zaky Ibrahim Zayn Borneo, Zelila Khairunnisa Abdi
East Luwu, Indonesia — From mid-April to late May 2025, we had the privilege of conducting internship research through the MBKM RIMBAHARI program in Cerekang Hamlet, Manurung Village, East Luwu. Nestled at the foot of the Pinsimaoni Hills, the community lives in traditional stilt houses along the Trans-Sulawesi highway. To this day, the Cerekang people preserve and venerate ten sacred ancestral forest sites that encompass nearly the entire landscape—from the highlands and lowlands to the riverbanks and the vital estuary ecosystems. Their commitment is officially recognized by the Regent through a Local Wisdom Decree (SK Kearifan Lokal) regarding their customary territory and its biodiversity. Protection is actively carried out through patrols, wire fencing, and the installation of warning signs by their youth organization, PM-WTC (Pejuang Muda Wija To Cerekang).
Our primary objective was to document the biodiversity along the borders of the customary forest and observe the community’s conservation practices. We were greeted with immense warmth, allowed to participate in local activities, and engaged in deep discussions regarding our research and the pressing issues they face—including the bureaucratic struggle for Indigenous People (MHA) recognition and the encroachment of mining concessions (IUP) by PT. PUL.
Throughout our fieldwork, we gained profound insights into the self-governed conservation efforts of the To Cerekang people. Due to the sacred prohibition (taboo) against entering the inner forest, our observations focused on the boundaries and residential areas. Here, we learned that the bond between the community and nature transcends mere resource extraction; it is deeply spiritual.
A unique challenge arose when identifying species with “biocultural” significance. Certain animals, such as the saltwater crocodile, are considered sacred due to spiritual ties with ancestors. Similarly, plants like nipa palm, bamboo, and areca nut are essential for funeral rituals. Overall, the biocultural relationship of the Cerekang people encompasses the entire ecosystem they hold sacred. Because their connection is symbolic rather than materialistic, we initially asked about the direct benefits of guarding the forest. The answer was always the same: it is a moral responsibility inherited from their ancestors. They believe that failing to protect it would bring disasters upon the community.
We were also taught numerous taboos (pantangan) to follow, both in daily life and during biodiversity observations. Respecting these rules was an integral part of our experience living among the locals. Furthermore, the PM-WTC youth were incredibly enthusiastic in guiding us through the documentation process.
Our involvement in the community’s media publication began when we joined PM-WTC on their routine forest patrols. These patrols are vital for preventing forestry crimes, such as encroachment, illegal logging, and poaching within the sacred territory. Currently, the community faces a significant threat from PT. Prima Utama Lestari’s mining concession plans. Alongside PM-WTC, we surveyed the forest boundaries, checked information boards, monitored disturbances, and installed barbed wire as boundary markers. We also participated in coral reef monitoring through the Cerekang River estuary at Tanjung Parasulu. PM-WTC remains at the forefront of these efforts as the most influential youth organization in holistic forest conservation.
Our time with the To Cerekang people has been an unforgettable journey, rich with insights that far exceed what we learned in a traditional classroom. We gained a first-hand perspective on conservation driven by spiritual bonds, the intricacies of indigenous rights bureaucracy, and the resilience needed to face mining threats. We extend our deepest gratitude to the people of To Cerekang, PM-WTC, and the village government for their guidance and for sharing their stories. We hope our documentation serves not only academic purposes but also contributes to the collective struggle for the sustainability and recognition of indigenous rights.
