The To Pekurehua Wanua Watutau Indigenous Community in Lore Peore District, Poso Regency, has developed a community work program to strengthen the protection of customary territories, customary institutions, and community-based economic development.
The preparation of the work program took place at the Workshop on Preparation of the Work Program of the To Pekurehua Wanua Watutau Indigenous Community at Baruga, Watutau Village on May 7–8, 2026.
The activity was held by the Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) of Central Sulawesi together with the Bumi Hijau Khatulistiwa Foundation (BIJAK Foundation), the Central Sulawesi Participatory Mapping Service Center (SLPP), and the People's Education Foundation (YPR).
The workshop was attended by representatives from traditional institutions, village governments, community leaders, women, youth, and civil society organizations. Over two days, participants mapped the potential, challenges, and threats faced by indigenous communities in protecting their territories and natural resources.
Participants also developed a shared vision and short, medium, and long-term work plans as guidelines for future community organizing.
Participants also developed a shared vision and short, medium, and long-term work plans as guidelines for future community organizing.
Watutau Indigenous Community Leader Christian Toibo said the workshop provided a shared space to strengthen the direction of the indigenous community's struggle to protect their territory and community identity.
“"This workshop is not just about compiling a list of activities, but also about creating a shared space to strengthen the direction of indigenous communities' struggle to safeguard their territories, identities, and the future of their generations," said Christian.
The Chairman of the SLPP Central Sulawesi, Agus M. Suleman, assessed that the Watutau indigenous people were facing pressure on their customary territory from various parties.
According to him, the Watutau customary area is located between the Land Bank Agency's claim on the east side and the Lore Lindu National Park area on the west side.
“"Amidst this situation, the community continues to maintain regional management practices based on customary values, mutual cooperation, and sustainability. Therefore, this struggle must be strengthened with sound planning and organization," he said.
Meanwhile, the Central Sulawesi AP2SI Provincial Executive Board, Bonar Adrian Barau, said the workshop was also part of efforts to encourage recognition and protection of the Wanua Watutau customary law community.
According to Bonar, strengthening community organizations, documenting customary areas, and developing work agendas in a participatory manner are important steps to fulfill the requirements for recognition of customary law communities as stipulated by government regulations.
“"We want to ensure that all elements and requirements for recognition of indigenous communities are well-prepared, providing a strong basis for the government to recognize and protect indigenous communities in Watutau," Bonar said.
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