Preserving traditions and forests: The Indigenous community of Kasepuhan Cibedug

The inhabitants of the village, the Kasepuhan Cibedug Indigenous Peoples are a subgroup of the larger Sundanese Indigenous community. While they share cultural, linguistic, and historical ties, each subgroup has its own unique traditions and practices. Strong customary institutions, geographical isolation, and socio-cultural heritage all play pivotal roles in bolstering the resilience and vitality of the Kasepuhan Cibedug community.

The journey to protect Kasepuhan's customary forest

In a traditional village house with colorful woven carpets, a group discussion buzzes with energy as Pak Surya, the village spokesperson, shares the arduous journey that the community has traveled towards the official recognition of their customary forest: “Customary forest protection laws are a vital aspect of preserving Indigenous lands and resources. These laws typically revolve around the enforcement of traditional practices and regulations established by local communities to safeguard their forests and ecosystems. By transforming customary laws into written records, communities can strengthen their legal standing and better protect their hereditary land rights while adapting to modern challenges and governance structures.”

Twenty years of relentless effort – from participatory mapping to formal proposals – culminated in the  recognition of 1200 acres (486 hectares) of their ancestral land, a testament to the villagers’ persistent commitment to preserving their forest. Customary or adat forests are typically managed sustainably, with practices aimed at maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem and ensuring the long-term well-being of the community. Acknowledged by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry via its social forestry program, these areas are recognized as crucial for forest and biodiversity conservation.

Kasepuhan village, comprising 520 households, sustains itself through rice cultivation in mountain paddies, alongside cassava, coffee, cacao, and palm for natural sugar. Every home boasts a fishpond, ensuring food security for all. Rice, their lifeblood, is carefully stored, safeguarding against calamity. Pak Uu, the village chief, underscores the pivotal role of forests in their existence: “With traditional wisdom guiding their stewardship, community members volunteer to protect their forests, recognizing the vital link between forest conservation and water security for their paddies.”

Challenges loom large, however, with the lack of infrastructure hindering the growth of ecotourism and trade. Yet, the community is seeking alternative income sources to sustain their forest conservation efforts, as Pak Bandung, the village spokesperson highlights: “We possess remarkable potential for various economic endeavors, including palm sugar production, rice farming, and marketing bamboo as well as rattan-based products.”

Annual rituals reinforce respect for traditional territories in the village, while conflict resolution hinges on peaceful dialogue and collective decision-making. These rituals are not mere ceremonies but serve as poignant reminders of the community's connection to the land and its cherished customs. Among these ceremonial practices, a pivotal moment arrives with the reading of the Adat community rules, a solemn occasion that reinforces the collective understanding and adherence to these ancient laws. In times of discord or dispute, the community turns to the practice of “peaceful talking”, known as mushawara, where both men and women come together to engage in deliberations aimed at finding resolution. Here, the egalitarian ethos of the community shines, as decisions are reached through collective consensus, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Gender dynamics and women’s vital contributions to village life 

Within the intricate tapestry of community life, gender roles are not rigidly defined but fluid and adaptable to the needs of the moment, as Yunengsih underscores: “Both women and men are involved in farming – while women may be the primary stewards of the fields and forests, men often take on tasks such as harvesting and selling field produce.” The village spokesperson Pak Bandung concurs: “Despite men often migrating to urban areas, women remain the backbone of rural communities, with 75 percent actively engaged in rice field activities daily. Their contributions extend to the management of rice fields, from planting crops to assisting in field preparation tasks such as plowing. We’re grateful to the indispensable role women fulfill not only in household duties but also in vital sectors like agriculture and forest management.”

The community's main drive is to conserve the forest along with their cultural traditions and livelihoods dependent on it, ensuring they endure for future generations.