LOCAL WISDOM OF THE AMMATOA KAJANG TRIBE (SULSEL)

Summary

The Kajang tribe of South Sulawesi remains deeply connected to its traditional customs, living a simple, technology-free life in harmony with nature. Divided into Kajang Dalam and Kajang Luar, the tribe follows a unique leadership system with the *Amatoa*, a sacred leader chosen through rituals. The Kajang people wear distinctive black clothing to signify unity, live in stilted houses aligned with spiritual beliefs, and protect their environment through strict rules. While embracing Islam, they also follow *patuntu*, a traditional belief system that emphasizes simplicity, unity, and respect for the natural world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kajang tribe in South Sulawesi maintains strong cultural traditions and remains resistant to modern technology and outside influence.
• 😀 Kajang tribal areas are divided into Kajang Dalam (Inner Kajang) and Kajang Luar (Outer Kajang), with different levels of acceptance of modernization.
• 😀 Kajang Dalam strictly adheres to traditional customs, avoiding technological advancements to preserve human relations with nature.
• 😀 Kajang Luar has embraced some modern advancements, like electricity, but still holds on to many traditional values.
• 😀 The highest traditional leader of the Kajang tribe is called the Amatoa, who is not elected by the people but chosen through a spiritual ritual.
• 😀 The leadership values of the Kajang tribe include honesty, steadfastness, democracy, and unity, with decisions made through deliberation (aborong).
• 😀 Kajang tribe members wear black clothing to symbolize simplicity, equality, and unity. Visitors are also expected to wear black.
• 😀 Traditional clothing for Kajang men and women is handwoven and includes black sarongs, headbands, and specific attire for both genders.
• 😀 Kajang homes are built on stilts, facing east toward the sunrise, which is believed to bring blessings. There are no internal partitions in their houses.
• 😀 The Kajang tribe speaks the Konjung language and does not use Indonesian, as they have never received formal education.
• 😀 The Kajang tribe practices a blend of Islam and traditional beliefs, which emphasize respect for nature, simplicity, and protection of the environment.

Q & A

Where does the Kajang tribe live?

The Kajang tribe resides in Tanatoa Village, Kajang District, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, located about 200 km east of Makassar City.

What are the two geographical regions of the Kajang tribe?

The Kajang tribe is divided into two regions: Kajang Dalam (inner Kajang) and Kajang Luar (outer Kajang), separated by a traditional gate.

What is the role of the Amatoa in the Kajang tribe?

The Amatoa is the highest traditional leader of the Kajang tribe, chosen through a sacred ritual and not through election or family lineage. The Amatoa's leadership is based on values like honesty, steadfastness, and democracy.

What does the Kajang tribe believe about technology?

The Kajang tribe believes that technology can disrupt human relationships with nature, potentially harming the sustainability of natural resources. As a result, they reject modern technological advances.

What are some key values upheld by the Kajang tribe?

Key values include honesty, steadfastness, democracy, unity, and respect for tradition. These values guide their relationships, community decisions, and leadership practices.

How is the traditional clothing of the Kajang tribe significant?

Kajang clothing, primarily black, symbolizes simplicity, unity, and equality. Black attire is worn by both men and women to reflect their shared strength and status in the community.

What are the main elements of the Kajang tribe's traditional clothing?

Kajang traditional clothing includes black sarongs, Leleng masks, headbands for men, and black robes for women, as well as white shorts for men. These garments are handmade and woven by the community.

What is the significance of the Kajang tribe's house architecture?

Kajang houses are built on stilts, facing east, which is believed to bring blessings. The houses have minimal partitions, and kitchens and bathrooms are located at the front, reflecting their cultural and spiritual beliefs.

How does the Kajang tribe combine Islam with its traditional beliefs?

The Kajang people follow a blend of Islamic teachings and traditional beliefs called *Patuntu*. This belief system emphasizes environmental protection, simplicity, and unity, guiding their lifestyle and spiritual practices.

What is the Kajang tribe's relationship with nature?

The Kajang tribe maintains a deep respect for nature, believing that all living creatures and the land must be protected. Their traditional teachings emphasize living harmoniously with the environment and avoiding harm to it.