Preserving Indigenous Knowledge For a Sustainable Future
Technology advancement is inevitable, especially in times like COVID-19 pandemic. A lot of technological innovations have given us convenience in many fields, including communications and an easy shopping lifestyle. Furthermore, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication and Information stated that the Indonesian National Bureau of Statistics recorded a double-digit growth of 10.58% in the ICT sector in 2020, resulting from the rapid transition from traditional solutions. This phenomenon leads to the disruption of traditional knowledge, which is gradually eroded and becomes irrelevant to the younger generation. So, the main question is: what does this disruption of tradition result in the efforts of pursuing a more sustainable life? What steps should be taken to ensure that traditional elements and modernity work together for sustainable living? In order to answer these questions, Pratisara Bumi Foundation brings the hot issue to the table through a panel discussion at Suara Fest titled ‘Preserving Indigenous Knowledge for A Sustainable Future”.
"We should not see technology as a bad thing, but the big homework is how to build the bridge so the current and upcoming generations can always connect and relate to what our ancestors have taught us."
- Gusde Namarupa (Director and Co-owner of Junglegold)
To Indonesians, it is safe to say that tradition is almost like the foundation of our lives. This can also be seen in some parts of society that are still practicing them on a daily basis, such as Balinese. However, when life with technology appears, like a double-edged sword, the comforts offered may cause us to lose our identity or become increasingly relative to the global network. Earlier this year, we conducted a quick survey to 23 youth around Indonesia and it is stated that 30% of them no longer feel connected to the traditions. They also do not feel interested in relearning the local wisdom or traditional knowledge because they feel it is not useful to today’s climate. While at the same time, we found our local wisdoms contain a lot of learnings that can be solutions of today’s challenges, especially on climate change. Addressing this, we sat alongside Sayu Komang from the IDEP Foundation, an environmental activist who grew up in a farming family and has direct experience with permaculture, agroforestry, food forests, and regenerative agriculture. On the panel, Sayu briefly gives a small example of Balinese indigenous knowledge: teba which means backyard farming. From this we could learn how Balinese ancestors had practiced agroforestry and permaculture since a long time ago. And with just four simple words, it shows a way we can cultivate various types of plants and breed livestock for consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A sustainable way of living of Balinese can also be seen from the daily offerings they do called canangsari. As Gusde Namarupa, the Director & Co-owner of Junglegold (formerly known as Pod Chocolate) and a sustainable tourism promoter, shared that the philosophy of canangsari is beyond a cultural gesture. These simple offerings contain at least three different types and colors of flowers implicitly embody conservation values, as they require every generation of Balinese Hindus to cultivate at least three different types of flowers. This practice is carried out sustainably by each generation in Bali, resulting in the diversity of plants grown by farmers, without relying on a single crop
It may be understandable that the younger generations fail to understand the philosophy of each traditional knowledge. These days, traditionality becomes a less trendy topic in social media where the youth spend most of their time in the day. This is why it is important to build a bridge between the old and young generations. The bridge can be in the form of fun social media content and events or a place where it contains all information about the traditional knowledge. One of the best examples would be Samsara Living Museum which Gus Agung Gunarthawa founded to preserve Balinese authentic heritage and local wisdom where the local communities take central part in it. With Samsara, Gus Agung tries to storytell the ancient philosophy still relevant to the current context. On tradition that relates to climate issues, Gus Agung reintroduced the concept of sasih where Balinese are given knowledge to predict weather and climate changes. This knowledge is especially useful for farmers in determining which crops they should plant during specific seasons. And so many more of them to relearn again!
The acknowledgment and relatability to our traditions should never fear our capability to keep up with the advancement of technology these days. In fact, they can work both hand in hand. As Gusde Namarupa emphasizes in the panel discussion, we should not think that we have to choose between learning modern knowledge and traditional knowledge, but rather find ways to learn and integrate both simultaneously. And it requires awareness from all generations to create it. Previous generations can transfer and build bridges to pass on messages from traditional knowledge inherited from ancestors to the younger generation today. While the youth should feel encouraged to at least be fluent in one of their traditional elements. In Bali’s case, Balinese youth should at least master a Balinese dance or use Balinese language in daily life.
Bali is merely a small example of how indigenous knowledge should be preserved for a sustainable future and how the younger generations have a crucial part in the efforts. The disruption of local knowledge due to the presence of information technology should not be feared outright. We must bravely face it by identifying opportunities to introduce traditional knowledge and building awareness and intergenerational bridges. By doing so, the values of traditional knowledge can be put into practice together. Especially for the younger generation, let's delve deeper and connect with the older generation to learn more about the relevance and benefits of traditional knowledge for contemporary life. We should proudly embrace our local heritage and strive for grassroots change towards a just and sustainable future.
*Stay tuned with us for more inspirational articles about indigenous technology and knowledge.
Reference:
https://www.kominfo.go.id/content/detail/32602/pandemi-covid-19-pacu-adaptasi-gunakan-teknologi-digital/0/berita_satker