I have been living among the Kaluppini indigenous people for almost a month. In my daily life, I always take the time to walk around, observing their warm activities. One thing that really caught my attention was the spirit of mutual cooperation that is integrated into every aspect of their lives.
One morning, I watched neighbors help each other harvest peanuts. The next day, people flocked to the corn fields—the main source of livelihood for the Kaluppini community. The corn they produce is mostly processed into animal feed and sold to the city of Enrekang. Seeing their enthusiasm, I wondered, would the people who helped with the harvest get a share of the results?
While helping, I approached Mama Ayu, a mother who was busy grinding corn. With curiosity, I asked, “Tanta, will the person who helps harvest the corn get a share of the harvest?”
Mama Ayu smiled softly. “Ah, no, son,” she replied. “People here help not because they expect something in return. That’s how mutual cooperation works, especially among neighbors.”
That simple answer left a deep impression. Mutual cooperation in Kaluppini is not just a tradition, but a life value that is held firmly. Unlike city life which is often isolated, here the relationship between residents is so close, as if one big family.
This spirit of mutual cooperation is not only seen in the fields, but also in various traditional events, such as weddings, births, and deaths. Some time ago, I witnessed the wedding preparations of one of the residents. The women worked together to clean large amounts of rice to be cooked. There were no complaints, everyone worked sincerely.
In every traditional event, chickens are an important element. The chickens that will be slaughtered go through a prayer procession first. After that, women are tasked with plucking the chicken's feathers—a job called ma'bubu—while the men prepare the fire for roasting. If the event owner has more fortune, a cow is also slaughtered. The men cut large pieces of meat, while the women cut the meat into small pieces in pairs.
Everyone works swiftly, understanding their respective roles without needing to be directed. When the food is ready, the traditional leader will say a prayer in the procession read. The food is served on teak leaves, creating a natural and local feel. Only after the prayers are finished do all the guests begin to enjoy the meal together.
The Kaluppini indigenous community has many traditional rituals that are full of noble values. Traditional ceremonies are not just ceremonies, but also a means of strengthening togetherness. This philosophy is inherited through peppasang (ancestral message), which until now is highly respected by the community.
These values not only bind the Kaluppini people emotionally, but also maintain the harmony of their lives. The spirit of mutual cooperation in Kaluppini teaches that togetherness is strength. Mutual cooperation is not just cooperation, but a form of love for others.
This tradition not only maintains community harmony, but also serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of supporting each other in life. The legacy of values and traditions of the Kaluppini indigenous people is a priceless treasure. In the midst of modernization, this spirit is an inspiration for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of a meaningful and together life.
*Author: Kurnia (CRCS UGM), Estungkara Internship Participant 2024
