“Hintuvu katuvua” meaning to live in harmony with nature and among people, is a philosophy upheld by the community in Sigi District, Central Sulawesi, since ancient times and continues to be cherished today. Sigi, with 70% of its area covered by forests, boasts a majestic natural environment that serves as a livelihood source for its residents.
Not far from the center of Sigi, the Ranjuri Forest, an ancient forest that has existed in the village of Beka for hundreds of years, spans 12 hectares and is home to robust trees that serve as a protective ecosystem against floods and landslides. The existence of this forest is crucial for the survival of the village.
“When Sigi is hit by heavy rain and floods occur, the large rocks and sand carried by the water are retained by the Ranjuri Forest, protecting our village. This forest is extremely important to us as a shield,” said Firdaus, Chairman of the Ranjuri Youth Awareness Group.
In addition to serving as a protective barrier against disasters, the residents of Beka Village also depend on the Ranjuri Forest for their livelihoods. A healthy and well-maintained forest acts as a water catchment area, giving rise to springs that provide a water source for the community, fulfilling needs for washing, bathing, and drinking. Within this forest, there are dozens of springs that have been managed and preserved through generations.
The ancient forest also hosts the Kaili tree (Dracontomelon mangiferum), a species closely tied to the identity of the people in Sigi District. The Kaili are one of the largest ethnic groups in Central Sulawesi, including those living in the Sigi plateau. According to Iksam Djorimi, an archaeologist and Deputy Head of the Central Sulawesi Museum, all paths lined with large trees in the Ranjuri Forest, including the Kaili trees, are associated with springs and are protected by customary law.
The presence of Ranjuri Forest as a protector and part of the identity of the Sigi community, particularly Beka Village, inspires local artists. Artisans from the Valiri Batik Gallery create motifs based on the Ranjuri Forest. Their batik uses natural dyes sourced directly from the biodiversity within the forest.
Recognizing the importance of preserving Ranjuri Forest, the people of Sigi are collaborating to protect this vital ecosystem near Beka Village. “Ranjuri Forest is something that will be strengthened in terms of commitment, starting from the community level, through village governance, up to the regional government, ensuring its existence is maintained and can provide economic benefits to the community,” said Mohammad Afit Lamakarate, Head of the Environment Agency for Sigi District.
The spirit of collaboration in preserving Ranjuri Forest is not limited to the people of Sigi District. This is reflected in one of the programs initiated by partners of the Sustainable County Circle, Jejak.in, which developed a tree adoption program in Ranjuri Forest, Beka Village in 2023. In this program, Jejak.in collaborated with Gojek to gather individual donations through the Gorengan and GoGreener Collective Tree programs.
This initiative is expected to support better forest management and empower the community of Beka Village by enabling them to serve as patrol officers and security posts, as well as assisting local MSMEs to enhance their economic prospects. The implementation of this program can serve as a model for environmentally based economic practices that do not harm nature, support disaster mitigation efforts, and empower communities and youth in the region.