The evening light slowly embraces Moa Village, depicting the beauty hidden among the mountains of Central Sulawesi. The beautiful and clean atmosphere was felt from the first time my feet stepped on this land. Even though the sky was a bit dim at that time, you could still enjoy the stunning views far into the distance, accompanied by the cool air that soothed the soul. This village, which lies in South Kulawi sub-district, is not very large, only one road stretches.
My meeting with Mas Uchu, a native of Moa, opened a window into the life of this village. From childhood to adulthood, his life was spent on Moa. Every visit from outside, especially the ones he brought, made him proud. Likewise with all Moa residents, every time their relatives arrive, they are immediately greeted with warmth, and food and drink are even provided.
When I entered Moa Village from the east, Mas Uchu's cousin seemed to greet me in a friendly manner. Openness and mutual cooperation become their daily life. In fact, an activity of planting rice fields together becomes a momentum for togetherness that is deeply rooted in the culture of this village. Salman, Mas Uchu's childhood friend, told him about this activity. All residents were invited to work together to plant in the Salman family's fields, creating untold togetherness.
Moa Village, located at an altitude of 700-1200 meters above sea level with an area of 35 km², is an important part of the lives of the surrounding community. Access to this village is not easy, only motorbikes can cross the path on the edge of a steep ravine. However, every effort to get here seems to be a journey story full of meaning.
Morning in Moa Village begins with a story about a traditional house which is now just a memory. The structure of the house that was once magnificent has now changed to concrete. Unfortunately, the state's social and economic policies have brought changes, fading the village's local wisdom. In fact, Moa traditional houses used to have solid foundations, which resisted earthquakes strongly. However, now, houses without concrete are considered a symbol of poverty.
The history of the Moa people's journey is also reflected in the way they carry out their activities. From walking, mikul, horse riding, to now, using motorbikes as a means of transportation. Life in this village still maintains the tradition of walking to the fields and gardens, respecting the earth where they live.
Planting rice fields together is another story in Moa Village. Salman, using Kulawi Uma language which may be difficult to understand, tells about planting activities that involve the entire village. The local wisdom method that has been passed down from generation to generation, namely rotational rotation or rotating fields, is still firmly adhered to by the community. They only plant once a year, maintaining natural balance and creating organic agricultural products without chemicals.
The rotation process is where the fields are only planted once a year, after which the former fields are allowed to reforest within a period of 5-10 years. Then, the land will be turned back into rice fields. However, part of the former field area will be planted with coffee plants or used as a cocoa plantation. So, in practice, the rotation pattern is carried out by rotating five to 10 areas of land, without having to encroach on the forest.
This rotating field system produces food commodities such as rice and secondary crops as well as organic vegetables naturally. All agricultural plants are free from chemicals, including insecticide fertilizers and even pesticides. This local wisdom is still held firmly by the people of Moa village.
The results of the Moa people's rice fields are not sold. The Moa people will store their rice produce in the barn in the form of grain. Usually the rice is stored for one year. When it is to be consumed fresh, the grain is ground into rice. Previously, the grain was still pounded manually using a mortar. But along with developments, currently rice milling machines with small capacities are used.
Apart from the practice of turning over, there is also land that is used called pampa. Traditional women use pampa for gardening vegetables such as mustard greens, beans, corn, chilies and kitchen spices. This is what means that we or anyone who comes to Moa village does not need to be afraid of not having enough to eat. Pampa is a traditional zoning of the Moa indigenous community, where management and utilization authority belongs to women. Pampa is considered the women's kitchen in Moa village. The land area is not too big but is enough to accommodate many types of plants for daily cooking.
However, over time, challenges have emerged in the form of modernization. Houses without concrete are considered a sign of inadequacy, and rice fields grown using traditional methods are becoming increasingly rare. The BTS tower construction, even though it already exists, is not yet operational due to corruption cases. Internet access, which is really needed in this digital era, is a dream that has not yet come true.
However, the advent of the internet has also brought new opportunities. Moa Village can be better known, plantation products can be sold via social media or online markets. However, at the same time challenges will arise. How will the Moa people adapt to this technology? Will the existence of the internet divide or strengthen the togetherness that has been closely guarded?
These opportunities and challenges are still big questions. However, Mas Uchu and the people of Moa Village are confident that their traditional and family values will not be lost. Even though they are open to modernization, they still maintain strong cultural roots, such as the bond of togetherness in planting rice fields together. An immersive journey to Moa Village, a place where nature and people, tradition and modernity, unite in inspiring harmony.
*This article was written by: Fiky Yudhistira_Estungkara Internship Student_FISIPOL UGM 2023
