The Sa’dan River is the longest river in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, stretching 182 km from the North Toraja highlands, flowing through five districts. The water from Sa’dan River is essential for agricultural and for supporting people’s lives. The water of Sa’dan River contributes to the running of the Malea Hydroelectric Power Plant which supplies electricity to eight districts in South Sulawesi.
The commemoration and the river festival helped to promote the sustainability of Sa’dan River and draw the attention of the people to the ecological crises—and that the river has not been properly maintained.
During the Toraja Church commemoration, Rev. Dr. Alfred Anggui, moderator of the church, reflected that rivers are one of the most valuable natural resources, and vital for the support and sustenance of human life and the ecosystem.
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“Their presence is a source of life and nourishment, supporting diverse ecosystems, providing a habitat for countless species, and ensuring the survival of numerous plants and animals,” he said. “Rivers also serve as a lifeline for human communities, offering access to fresh water, transportation, and fertile lands for cultivation.”
However, Anggui added, environmental degradation and deforestation threaten the survival of rivers.
“One of the important strategies to maintain the sustainability of rivers and to improve environmental conditions is to make a concerted effort to introduce tree planting activities upstream and along the rivers, as early as possible,” he said. “Research revealed that the destruction of the forest on the upstream of the river, was causing the water source to be unstable.”
