Abstract:
This study examines the spatial management traditions of the Kampung Kuta indigenous
community in Ciamis, exploring the underlying cultural values and their implications for
environmental sustainability. Using a qualitative descriptive case study approach, data were
collected through observations, interviews, and documentation. The results reveal that Kampung
Kuta’s spatial system is governed by local wisdom known as pamali, which functions as both a
social norm and a spatial regulation. These rules dictate the use of natural materials for stilt houses
and uniform settlement patterns that reflect simplicity and social cohesion. Furthermore, the
strictly preserved sacred forest plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance and water
conservation. The study concludes that these traditions form an integrated socio-cultural and
ecological system that serves as a model for sustainable spatial planning. Pamali operates
simultaneously across normative, symbolic, and ecological dimensions, offering valuable insights
for modern sustainable management.