Watutau, Poso – May 8, 2026
The Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) of Central Sulawesi, in collaboration with the Bumi Hijau Khatulistiwa Foundation (BIJAK Foundation), the Central Sulawesi Participatory Mapping Service Center (SLPP), and the People's Education Foundation (YPR), carried out activities Workshop on the Preparation of Work Programs for the To Pekurehua Wanua Watutau Indigenous Communitywhich took place on May 7–8, 2026 in Baruga, Watutau Village, Lore Peore District, Poso Regency.
This activity provides a space for consolidation for the Wanua Watutau indigenous community in formulating the direction of their struggle, strengthening customary institutions, protecting customary territories, and developing livelihoods based on local wisdom and environmental sustainability.
The workshop was attended by representatives from traditional institutions, village governments, community leaders, women, youth, and civil society organizations. Over the two days, participants collectively mapped the potential, strengths, challenges, and threats faced by indigenous communities in managing natural resources and maintaining their living spaces.
During the workshop, participants developed a shared vision and short-, medium-, and long-term work plans that will serve as guidelines for future community organizing. The formulated work programs include strengthening customary institutions, protecting customary territories and natural resources, developing community-based businesses, and strengthening the roles of women and youth in community governance.
Representatives from the organizing committee stated that indigenous communities play a crucial role in protecting forests, land, and environmental sustainability. Therefore, strengthening indigenous communities must be a crucial part of equitable and sustainable development.
“"This workshop is not just about compiling a list of activities, but also about creating a shared space to strengthen the direction of the indigenous community's struggle to safeguard their territory, identity, and the future of their generations," said Christian Toibo, a Watutau Indigenous Community Leader.
The Chairman of the Central Sulawesi SLPP, Agus M. Suleman, emphasized that the To Pekurehua Wanua Watutau Indigenous Community has faced various challenges related to the protection of customary areas and access to natural resource management.
“"Geographically, the Watutau customary territory is squeezed by the Land Bank Agency's claim to the territory, which has entered and occupied it from the east. Meanwhile, Lore Lindu National Park also squeezes the Watutau territory from the west. Despite this situation, the community continues to maintain land management practices based on customary values, mutual cooperation, and sustainability. That's why this struggle must be strengthened with sound planning and organization," Sandy emphasized in the opening of the workshop.
This workshop is expected to produce a participatory, measurable community work program document that can serve as a shared foundation for strengthening the position of indigenous communities in protecting their territories and developing a community-based economy. The workshop's agenda includes participatory discussions and mapping of indigenous community potential, developing a work plan based on community needs, and involving women, youth, indigenous leaders, and village governments in the decision-making process. At the end of the workshop, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to strengthen the shared commitment to safeguarding indigenous territories and the sustainability of natural resources.
The Head of the AP2SI Central Sulawesi Provincial Management Board, Bonar Adrian Barau, added that in addition to strengthening the Watutau Traditional Community institutionally, this Workshop is also part of an effort to encourage the recognition and protection of the Wanua Watutau traditional legal community.
“"This work program preparation workshop activity is part of a joint effort with the To Pekurehua Wanua Watutau Indigenous Community in strengthening the capacity of indigenous communities while encouraging the recognition and protection of PPMHA by the Poso Regency Government and the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government in accordance with the mechanisms regulated in the Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 52 of 2014. Through strengthening community organizations, documenting customary areas, customary institutions, and the preparation of community work agendas in a participatory manner, we want to ensure that all elements and requirements for the recognition of indigenous legal communities can be well prepared and become a strong basis for the government to immediately determine the recognition and protection of indigenous communities in Watutau," said Bonar.
Contact
Green Earth Equator Foundation (BIJAK Foundation)
Sandy Prasetya Makal, 082344440979
AP2SI Central Sulawesi
Bonar Adrian Barau, 082344440979
People's Education Foundation (YPR)
Risdianto B, 085823168868
