Local wisdom in agricultural management of the Samin indigenous peoples, Indonesia

Abstract

Local wisdom cannot be denied being able to maintain the environmental sustainability of indigenous peoples in various dimensions of life. The Samin community is one of the tribes in Indonesia that has a strong traditional spirit. The aim of the study is to describe local wisdom in the agricultural activities of the Samin community in Sambongrejo, Blora, Indonesia. A qualitative approach was developed to obtain a model of local wisdom in the ancestral teachings of the Samin community which are still being maintained. Collecting data in this study employed observation, interviews, documentation, and FGD (Focused Group Discussion) with several Indigenous Samin’s figures. The result shown teachings of Samin’s ancestors taught that life must be in harmony with nature. Therefore, agriculture is performed with the principle of zero waste to minimize environmental impact. The Samin community implements an integrated organic farming system with livestock so that the biological cycle can occur. Plants are cultivated by intercropping method for commodity diversity. Local wisdom that developed according to technological developments even though it is based on the old teachings (ancestors) can still provide maximum benefits for the sustainability of life. The zero-waste principle implemented to the Samin community’s agriculture is a manifestation of environmental ethics from the teachings of the ancestors to produce sustainable agriculture.