ECOLOGICAL VALUES IN THE MATIMBE RITUAL OF THE TO LINDU COMMUNITY AT THE LAKE LINDU FESTIVAL: AN ECOLINGUISTIC STUDY

Abstract

This study examines the ecological values embedded in the ritual speech of the Matimbe ritual of the To Lindu community, an indigenous group in Central Sulawesi that has rarely been studied from an ecolinguistic perspective. It aims to identify the ecological values in Matimbe ritual utterances performed at the Lake Lindu Festival, Sigi Regency, and to analyze their functions in relation to environmental preservation. A descriptive qualitative design was employed. Twenty-two utterances were documented through passive participant observation and recorded semi-structured interviews with three informants; 16 utterances met the inclusion criteria and were retained as data. The data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles et al. (2020) through deductive coding on two dimensions: seven ecological values synthesized from Keraf’s (2010) principles of environmental ethics and supporting theories, and Rappaport’s (1999) functions of ritual ecology. The results reveal six ecological values, namely respect for nature, moral responsibility for nature, cosmic solidarity, caring for nature, no harm to nature, and simple living in harmony with nature, with respect for nature and simple living as the dominant values. The utterances perform three functions: social-ecological integrative, sanctification, and ecological-regulative. A value–function matrix shows that values concerning relations with the guardians of nature are associated with the sanctification and regulative functions, whereas values concerning the use of natural produce are associated with the integrative function. These findings demonstrate the role of ritual speech in shaping and transmitting ecological awareness, although its effects on conservation practices were not measured. The study is limited to a single ritual performance and contributes to the documentation of To Lindu local wisdom.