In an effort to assist the To Lindu Customary Forest Community (MHA) of Central Sulawesi, FORCLIME is collaborating with the Central Sulawesi Customary Area Registration Agency (BRWA) and various other parties. This ongoing collaboration between FORCLIME and BRWA Central Sulawesi has already resulted in an MHA To Lindu activity plan, which was submitted to the relevant parties through processes of outreach last May. In order to map the progress of this collaboration, a discussion was held on 26 June 2024 in the Tomado Village Meeting Room, Sigi Regency. The meeting was opened by the Secretary of Lindu District, Mr. Benyamin, S.Sos., who was representing the Lindu District Government, and was also attended by various stakeholders.

During the meeting, BRWA presented the results of the first phase of the mentoring process, which was implemented over 15 days. During this phase, BRWA identified MHA To Lindu’s traditional institutions and assessed the potential of the area’s younger generation in terms of their awareness of said traditional institutions and their governance. The involvement of the area’s youth in the mentoring process is seen as highly important in terms of efforts to strengthen the institutional capacity of the To Lindu MHA and also the governance of the Katuvua To Lindu Reserve customary forest. During the meeting, the parties present provided input on the implementation results of the first phase.

Semuel Toley, Chairman of the To Lindu Traditional Council, explained that the collaboration between GIZ and BRWA Central Sulawesi to assist the To Lindu MHA was very important. “The area’s indigenous young population is involved in this process. This is undoubtedly a positive step as who else will ensure our future if it is not the younger generation of the To Lindu traditional community?" Mr. Toley added.

This meeting will be followed up by the activities listed below:
1. Refining of the prepared customary rules (kapotia nulibu) and their formalization through processes of Lindu libu (customary deliberation).
2. Socializing of the customary rules across all levels of society.
3. Implementation of processes of regeneration among the area’s customary youth through training sessions and workshops, specifically in relation to promoting an understanding of local wisdom, traditional rules and To Lindu culture.
4. Coordination with relevant parties, including the local government, to support the operation of customary institutions and the implementation of their rules.
5. Establishment of a Customary Forest Management Institution (LPHA).
6. Carrying out of spatial surveys and the marking of area boundaries.
7. Preparation of a customary forest management planning document.

For more information, please contact:
Arif Hidayat, Junior Forestry and Biodiversity Advisor
Ismet Khaeruddin, Senior Adviser for Biodiversity Conservation and Provincial Coordinator for Central Sulawesi