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

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.