Indigenous Knowledge in Utilizing Natural Resources as Sustainable Development in Kebon Gedang District of Ciwaringin Cirebon
Dian Permana Putri

Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati

Abstract

This study aims to find out the indigenous knowledge of the Ciwaringin society in managing natural resources for sustainable development as a indigenous identity. The research method used in this study is a qualitative approach. Data was obtained through field observations and direct interviews with the indigeneous society and five craftsmen. The results showed that the majority of the Kebon Gedang Ciwaringin society was batik artisans which only painted batik produced in this region. In colouring process of batik, dyeing and painting techniques are used. Natural dyes are obtained from the bark, rind and leaves that are easy to find such as Mahogany, Tegeran, Mango and Indigo. Indigenous knowledge is only popular among craftsmen who originally obtained from the ancestors. This colouring technique is reused by 85% of craftsmen and become a uniqueness of Ciwaringin batik. Although the production process of a sheet of batik cloth is longer than the use of synthetic dyes, it increases the selling price, beside that this method is believed to reduce the risk of environmental pollution. This step supports the creation of sustainable development. It is hoped that the values of indigenous knowledge can be used as references and enrich scientific knowledge and become constructive thinking contributions to formulate policies of environmental management and conservation.

Keywords: indigenous knowledge,natural dyes batik, Ciwaringin, sustainable development

Topic: Biology