Abstract:
The patriarchal culture within the indigenous community of Kajang can constrain gender roles in developing climate change adaptation strategies. This study is an exploratory endeavor that examines how current gender-based adaptation strategies in Kajang may reinforce traditional gender roles and discourage women and girls from seeking work outside the home. The research focuses on two prominent programs: Weaving and Sewing Training and Perempuan Tangguh Iklim, which teaches women to cultivate home gardens. While these programs aim to enhance community resilience, they primarily emphasize activities that can be conducted at home. This focus inadvertently perpetuates traditional gender roles, maintaining the separation of men’s and women’s work within the community. The study explores the dual impact they have—whether they empower women in the face of climate change or entrench traditional roles, limiting women’s economic and social participation. The findings underscore the importance of adopting a more nuanced and inclusive approach in climate adaptation programs, one that not only meets the immediate needs of women in patriarchal societies but also promotes gender equality and challenges traditional roles.
The Ammatoa Kajang
The Ammatoa Kajang, or the Kajang indigenous community, is one of the native tribes residing in the southern part of Sulawesi Island, specifically in Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi Province, approximately 210 km east of Makassar City. For centuries, the Kajang indigenous community has firmly adhered to Pasang ri Kajang, which literally means “Messages in Kajang.” For the Ammatoa Kajang community, Pasang is considered a very sacred mandate that must be carried out.
In the implementation of Pasang, the Ammatoa plays a crucial role. Ammatoa is the title for the customary leader; “Amma” means father, and “Toa” means elder father. The Ammatoa is believed to be Tau Manurung (a person descended from the sky) sent by Tau Rie A’ra’na to Earth. As the highest customary leader, the Ammatoa serves as a protector, guardian, and role model for the community.
In 2016, the Kajang indigenous community received the Wana Lestari award from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) for their ability to preserve the forest through local wisdom. This success is closely linked to the environmental messages within Pasang, which are integrated with their local wisdom. (Pratama, 2019)
The Kajang indigenous community was recognized as “the world’s best forest guardians” in a feature article by (Peter Yeung, 2023).
