Mata Tahun: Bridging indigenous knowledge and policy for ecosystem sustainability in the Mului Community, East Kalimantan amidst climate change

¹ Reserch Center for Population, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
² Independent Researcher
³ Center for Transdisciplinary and Sustainability Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: pujisht@gmail.com

Abstract

The traditional celestial calendar, known as Mata Tahun, is an indigenous knowledge system utilized by the forest-based Mului community in East Kalimantan. This system functions not only as a guide for agricultural timing but also as a mechanism for sustaining ecosystem balance and reinforcing cultural resilience. By observing star movements and weather patterns, the Mului community harmonizes their activities with natural cycles, preserving knowledge passed down through generations. However, climate change disrupts these celestial patterns, making it increasingly difficult to determine planting and harvesting periods accurately. Simultaneously, modernization and state-driven forest management policies often overlook the value of indigenous ecological knowledge, threatening the sustainability of customary forests. This study highlights the critical need for policy transformation that integrates Mata Tahun into state environmental management strategies. The research highlights how recognizing indigenous knowledge as a legitimate component of environmental governance can enhance climate adaptation strategies and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Incorporating local knowledge systems, such as Mata Tahun, into state forest management policies not only sustains the biodiversity of customary forests but also empowers indigenous communities to lead in climate change mitigation efforts. Bridging indigenous knowledge with formal governance can enhance ecological sustainability, support climate adaptation, and fortify the cultural identity of indigenous communities facing the pressures of environmental and social change.