Reflecting Al-Hima on “Kinship Mindfulness” Within The Ammatoan’s Indigenous Kinship System for The Nature Sustainability Through Life Simplicity

Abstract

This article studies exceptional indigenous-spiritual affections for ecological preservation through practicing a simple life. The main initiative of this study is to understand nature preservation practices of two communities of diverse continents – the Ammatoans and Arabs. The article is not designed to compare both, but a mere effort to link the indigenous-spiritual practices in respecting nature for ensuring sustainable resources on earth today through nature preservation i.e. forest, pasture and alike. The Arabs’ concept of “al-Hima” is a reflection of the Ammatoans’ “kinship mindfulness” – a new concept which this article is proposing. The article found the mindful intention, attention and attitude towards the forest in the Ammatoan’s kinship system mirror to the ancient old practice of grassland preservation among the Arabs. The data found that Ammatoans have huge respect for their forest. They are fully aware of the necessity to preserve the forest not only because the forest is an asset but most importantly is part of their spiritual life. To be mindful, they are guided by the Pasang Ri-Kajang – their indigenous handbook that obligates for forest preservation. The Ammatoan’s “kinship mindfulness” of West Sulawesi is particularly consistent with the "al-Hima” of the Arabs in the Middle East.