Environmental Crisis and Local Wisdom; Learning from the Cosmology of the Minang and Javanese Communities

Abstract

Humans and nature are two inseparable components. These two components are connected in a complex way. The environmental crisis is a real threat at this point. Various natural phenomena such as hot summers and rains that come irregularly are examples of an imbalance in nature. This article argues that the knowledge possessed by a community group can help preserve the environment in that area. This is due to social networks that produce a number of shared knowledge between humans and nature that can shape their way of life. The methodology used in this study is a qualitative method by conducting literature reviews, environmental observations, and in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and indigenous peoples to identify and analyze local wisdom in two major ethnic groups in Indonesia, namely: Minangkabau and Javanese. The Minang people have local wisdom through rimbo larangan (forbidden forests) and customary land in preserving their environment. Meanwhile, Java has a tradition of the tayub dance which is performed during the harvest season. The main finding in this study is that local wisdom derived from the culture of the local community can help preserve the environment but needs to be strengthened through positive law in the country.