Observations on Appropriate Technology Application in Indigenous Community Using System Dynamics Modelling

Abstract

It is possible to develop a well-sustained society by balancing social, technical, and environmental concerns at the community level. Indigenous governance methods provide enormous prospects for developing well-sustained societies. A limitation is the knowledge gap and lack of interest from dominant cultures. With the application of appropriate technology in development, it is possible for Indigenous communities to adjust technology to their uses and transfer their accumulated knowledge to the development of infrastructure and mechanisms for production incorporating cultural value. Activating such talents within the Indigenous community is important for enabling them to achieve their ideal future. Using participatory design methods, Indigenous people can be brought into the development planning to understand the key variables that limit and influence technology development. System dynamic modelling can be adapted to simulate these new attributes and develop plans and objectives based on outcomes from the model. An example is shown around a case study for community development in Papua, Indonesia. This research is to establish a long-term development plan for all stakeholders, while preserving the value of the Indigenous culture. An analysis of Indigenous social behavioral patterns toward development provides an idea of social-constructive values, which will allow Indigenous community to develop self-sustainable and independent communities.

Decolonizing Pathways to Sustainability: Lessons Learned from Three Inuit Communities in NunatuKavut, Canada

“…As a concept and point of discussion in modern day discourse and building on the work of Smith [20], decolonization can assist us in unpacking sites of colonial control (and even colonial relationships that have endured and continue to marginalize Indigenous governance systems). While Indigenous governance systems have much to contribute to the development of sustainable communities and societies, Indigenous communities are often faced with barriers due to a lack of interest in collaboration from dominant systems of control within society [22]. The implications of this work are that community sustainability for Indigenous communities under Indigenous led decolonization, as it is for the NunatuKavut Inuit, means that capacity is being strengthened, knowledge and awareness of Indigenous rights are becoming more prevalent, the desire and will to reclaim traditional aspects of culture and political society are more paramount, and the willingness to own, author and share one's story is becoming commonplace.…”

“…Community sustainability planning approaches designed and developed by and for Indigenous peoples are integral to Indigenous self-determination efforts. Indigenous governance practices and methods, including planning efforts, can be conducive to the creation of societies that are more sustainable [22]. Recent research with First Nations in Saskatchewan, for example, point to the success of Indigenous planning when the approach results in trust relationships between the First Nation community, other participants and university researchers and community capacity is strengthened [23].…”

Utilizing the Appropriate Technology Paradigm in Industrial Design: A Literature Review

“…Pasokan lokal dan bengkel TTG mudah dirawat, diperbaiki, dan diduplikasi secara teknis [1], [5], [15], [16] Fungsi dan utilitas alat Mudah digunakan, berfungsi sesuai tujuan teknisnya dan mengatasi persoalan praktis [1], [17] Teknologi Memiliki kematangan teknologi sesuai tingkat masyarakat penerima, efisien, dan hemat energi [1], [12] Lingkungan mengoptimalkan material sekitar dan tidak merusak [12], [18] Non teknis internal Persepsi dan cara pandang memiliki pandangan yang sama dengan inisiator mengenai tujuan terapan [19] Budaya & Nilai lokal tidak bersinggungan dengan budaya dan nilai yang dianut masyarakat [5], [8], [13],…”

“…Sesuai dengan kekhasan tipe masyarakat [18] Keseharian masyarakat Tidak mengubah kebiasaan sehari-hari secara drastis [5], [16], [23] Non teknis eksternal Pendampingan ahli/lembaga Memerlukan pelatihan dan pendampingan [12], [15], [23], [24] Dana dan investasi terjangkau TTG mudah dirawat, diperbaiki, dan diduplikasi secara ekonomis [1], [15], [23] Kebijakan Memerlukan aturan formal dalam manajerial projek TTG [25] Sosial ekonomi Memililiki potensi bisnis dan menguatkan sosial ekonomi masyarakat [12], [14] SDM Memerlukan ahli dalam proses pendampingan pada masyarakat [15] Berdasarkan uraian tersebut, dapat dibedakan pengertian aspek dan faktor terkait terapan teknologi tepat guna. Aspek dalam konteks teknologi tepat guna adalah karakteristik yang harus diperhatikan sebagai panduan dalam merancang teknologi tepat guna, yaitu aspek lokalitas, kebutuhan pengguna, kemudahan penggunaan, efisiensi sumber daya, keterjangkauan biaya, pemeliharaan dalam skala lokal, dampak sosial dan lingkungan, partisipasi masyarakat, kemitraan, dan keberlanjutan.…”

“…Dari sisi perancangan, beberapa hal dapat direkomendasikan. Rekomendasi yang pertama berada di ranah metode, misalkan co-design dengan melibatkan masyarakat dalam perancangan [18]. Alat juga harus murah, mudah digunakan dan memiliki utilitas yang tinggi [27].…”