In the age of AI, we need ancient intelligence
As the country rushes headlong into AI, what is being left behind is the age-old wisdom that has been a cornerstone of human civilization for millennia: When entering someone's home, we knock first to obtain their permission, and we don't barge in anyway if they turn us down.
In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, humanity must not forget the foundational principles that have guided our societies for centuries. Knocking before entering someone's home, obtaining permission, and acknowledging refusal are timeless values that have kept peace in communities for millennia. Unfortunately, these principles are being disregarded as the nation rushes towards AI-driven development.
In South Papua, a state-owned forest, devoid of residents and settlements, was described as suitable for a national strategic project. This lack of consideration for indigenous territories led the Malind Anim, Yei, Wambon, and Awyu peoples to question the existence of their customary lands. This worldview fails to recognize the presence of indigenous communities, reducing their rights to mere paperwork rather than justifiable claims.
Similarly, in East Kalimantan, the Balik people have farmed and fished around Sepaku for generations. However, the emergence of the new capital Nusantara brought about a dam and water intake on the Sepaku River, which submerged sacred sites and ancestral graves. The community now faces the threat of displacement, with the leader emphasizing that moving to another village would render them strangers in their own land.
In Merauke, South Papua, the government has allocated nearly half a million hectares of forest for sugarcane and bioethanol production. Within this national strategic project, a single company has been granted rights to 328,000 hectares, all without seeking the consent of the indigenous people. The maps and boundaries were established before any dialogue with these communities, demonstrating a disregard for their rights and interests.
These instances highlight the need to reestablish the ancient wisdom that has long been the bedrock of human civilization. It is crucial to remember the significance of knocking before entering someone's home and obtaining their permission, for it is through these practices that societies can maintain harmony and respect for individual rights and territories.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
