Examining Local Wisdom: Environmental Conservation Strategies of the Baduy and Dayak Tribes

Abstract

This study aims to comparatively analyze the environmental conservation strategies of the Baduy and Dayak tribes in Indonesia, focusing on the integration of local wisdom into modern sustainability frameworks. A systematic literature review was conducted using a PRISMA-based approach. From an initial dataset of 256 articles, a rigorous screening process reduced the pool to 40 eligible studies, of which 20 were selected for in-depth synthesis. The selection criteria prioritized empirical data on ethnobotany, customary law, and forest management published between 2010 and 2026. The synthesis identifies three dominant themes: (1) Ethnobotany and Sustainable Resource Utilization, (2) Customary Law (Adat) and Forest Stewardship, and (3) Sustainable Agriculture and Socio-Cultural Values. Findings indicate distinct yet converging strategies: the Baduy employ strict isolationism (Pikukuh) and rigid zoning to maintain ecological purity, while the Dayak tribes utilize adaptive agroforestry systems (Lembo and Tana' Ulen) that balance economic subsistence with biodiversity conservation. Both tribes demonstrate that "sacredness" acts as a highly effective enforcement mechanism for conservation, often surpassing the efficacy of state regulations. The study concludes that indigenous knowledge is not static but a dynamic system of "social-altruistic" values essential for future environmental resilience. Recommendations include the formal legal recognition of customary forests (Hutan Adat) and the integration of indigenous ethnobiological knowledge into national environmental policies.