Cultural Compass: Indigenous Environmental Wisdom in a Globalized World
Finding a harmonious blend of environmental stewardship and development
In our globalized world, transformations are underway that impact the essence of the environment. Along with geographical transition, modernity also contributes to the extensive cause of climate change. While recent technology has managed to salvage fragments of environmental well-being, the profound stewardship necessary for sustaining ecosystems does not emerge effortlessly from a non-beating heart. Habit, belief, and value underly the process of responsibility.
Sometimes it was not the hundred-printed blueprint, it was not the transformation of asphalt color, probably it was the steering wheel that determined where path the ecosystem would end up. Several intricacies of policies appear to have shifted from oxygen-making to profit-making, and this reshapes the long-term effect. For instance, the Government Regulation on Cipta Kerja 110 a and b allowed a permit extension for companies occupying lands of palm oil, this steered a whole consequential path of loss. What captured the most is despite the geographical transition, moving plates, and melting ice, the tradition of money-making is still the prevalent cause of the dying earth.
On the other hand, while the execution of profit-driven policies keeps getting permissions and highly performed until now, there exists a narrative duty and non-material goal of indigenous stewardship. Unlike thick blueprints and prolonged approaches, the natives’ way of life acts as the guide itself that leads to a thoughtful environmental system, that has been operated for decades. Take Baduy indigenous people, residents of Kendeng Mountain, Banten Regency as an example. Its culture and traditions lead to the preservation of the ecosystem. Pikukuh custom, referred to as an indigenous ban is one of the prevalent systems that promotes environmental stewardship. An example, the ban restrict changing the natural topography to keep the soil stable, prohibits the use of chemical technology to protect water, soil, and air quality, and prohibition altering water pathways for pond or drainage system to keep the ecosystem balanced. These are carefully considered policies that may seem straightforward, yet their fundamental nature makes them an uncomplicated pathway to achieving environmental conservation.
It is understandable that globalization and technological advances truly ease up life work and tasks. However, implementing indigenous-like stewardship can serve as a crucial complementary approach. Imagine a world where cutting-edge technology, already designed to preserve nature, is harmoniously combined with the foundational understanding of everyday life within the ecosystem, becoming second nature. It surpasses individual efforts like adopting reusable items; instead, it encompasses essential cultural policies that those in influential positions can put into effect. This also means that involving natives in regulation-making is an important step for a better outcome. As the original owner of the land, the one who lived and did traditions with nature since birth, indigenous people are the one who understands deeply through their heart what is needed by nature and how much portions can people use for themselves, while also giving back to it. They have an intimate relationship with the ecosystem, thus having a connection and knowledge beyond quantitative data.
In today’s world, it is not easy to believe in natural connection, believing that after such profit-driven tragedy, trees cry, soil frown, and leaves say goodbye to each other. Yet, within this belief is the understanding that as nature suffers, many aspects of our own life plans are also at risk of being profoundly affected. Despite the prevailing skepticism, it is such a well-put perspective to see it beyond the surface, that all we do is destroy, and while we are gone, nature does not truly need us. It is more of a suggestion to our consciousness and responsibility, whether we destroy or restorate, it all comes back to us.
