GLOBALSULTENG.COM – The Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) together with the Bumi Hijau Khatulistiwa Foundation (BIJAK), the Central Sulawesi Participatory Mapping Service Center (SLPP) and the People's Education Foundation (YPR) held a Workshop on the Preparation of the Work Program of the To Pekurehua Wanua Watutau Indigenous Community in Baruga, Watutau Village, Lore Peore District, Poso Regency on May 7-8, 2026.
This activity is a strategic step for the Watutau indigenous community to strengthen institutions, protect customary territories, and shape the direction of the community's struggle to protect natural resources based on local wisdom and environmental sustainability.
The workshop involved traditional institutions, village governments, community leaders, women, the younger generation, and community organizations. sOver two days, participants mapped the potential, challenges, strengths, and threats communities face in defending their living spaces.
As a result, indigenous communities succeeded in formulating a shared vision and short-, medium-, and long-term work programs that included strengthening customary institutions, protecting territories, developing community-based businesses, and enhancing the roles of women and the younger generation.
Watutau Indigenous Community Leader, Christian Toibo, stated that this workshop was not merely about developing a work agenda, but also about strengthening the direction of the indigenous community's struggle to safeguard their identity and the future of their generation.
“"This workshop provides a shared space to strengthen the struggle of indigenous communities to safeguard their territories, identities, and futures," he said.
The chairman of the SLPP Central Sulawesi, Agus M. Suleman, highlighted the great pressure faced by the Watutau indigenous community due to claims by the Land Bank in the eastern region and the Lore Lindu National Park on the western side.
According to Agus, this condition makes indigenous communities continue to fight to maintain managed areas based on customary values, mutual cooperation, and sustainability.
“"Amidst this pressure, the community continues to maintain customary-based land management practices. Therefore, this struggle must be strengthened through careful planning and organization," he said.
In addition to strengthening the internal community, this workshop is also part of an effort to encourage official recognition of the Wanua Watutau customary law community by the local and provincial governments.
The Head of the AP2SI Central Sulawesi Provincial Management Board, Bonar Adrian Barau, stated that the preparation of this participatory work program is an important foundation in fulfilling the requirements for recognition of indigenous communities according to the Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 52 of 2014.
“"We want to ensure that all the requirements for recognition of indigenous legal communities are fully prepared so that the government can immediately establish official protection for the Watutau indigenous community," he said.
The workshop concluded with the signing of a joint commitment by all participants to protect customary territories, strengthen community institutions, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
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