Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Governance – A Local Wisdom-Based Approach in Indonesia (Literature Review)

This paper aims to explore how indigenous communities in Indonesia play an important role in environmental management based on local wisdom that has been passed down through generations. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative research. The data for this study were obtained through a literature review. The method employed is descriptive qualitative analysis, examined through various social, anthropological, and environmental theories. These theories highlight the close relationship between social norms, ecological knowledge, and environmental sustainability. The results of the literature study indicate that various indigenous communities in Indonesia implement sustainable ecological systems through traditional conservation practices, such as the subak system in Bali, sasi for marine and terrestrial resources in Maluku, and prohibitions on indiscriminate tree cutting in Waerebo and among the Baduy community. This system is based on cultural and spiritual values that emphasize the balance between humans and nature. However, the continuity of this indigenous system faces challenges from modernization, the exploitation of natural resources, as well as changes in land use policies and marine environmental pollution. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of legal protection and inclusive policies that recognize the rights of indigenous communities in environmental management. Integrating local wisdom with modern conservation policies is a strategic step towards achieving sustainable development based on the participation of indigenous communities. This study contribute to social cultural and environment areas.