Bosoi Jelanjang (Sungai)

The Indigenous Community of Tulou Bulusu Pentian is part of the Bulusu Dayak Tribe whose ancestors originated from Gong Solok, an area in the Upper Malinau River. Currently, they reside in settlements located along the Pentian River, which has become an important part of their identity. In Bulusu's mythological beliefs, their ancestors are Yadu (Grandmother) Lawang and Yaki (Grandfather) Bugang, protective deities who reside in Muruk Lingu, a place believed to be a kind of heaven, who gave birth to a child named Yaki Ibuk. He was sent down to earth at Dagas Sebengawang with provisions of kencur, a machete, and a white chicken as symbols of strength and life. From Yaki Ibuk, the Bulusu Dayak community was born. However, their journey has not always been peaceful; the threat of headhunting forced them to leave Gong Solok and move downstream and to the coast, eventually inhabiting the areas of Malinau, Tana Tidung, and the Sekatak River in Bulungan. In each new settlement, they built baloy (longhouses) along the river as the center of life, while continuing the tradition of farming, hunting, and fishing.

The name Pentian comes from the Pentian River that flows through their settlement. This river has become an important identity for the Pentian Indigenous Community, as each baloy is built along the tributaries in the customary area. Each tributary is managed by the community group living in the baloy, and they depend on nature to meet their daily needs. In addition to farming and hunting, livestock farming has also become an important part of their lives. Since the time of their ancestors, the Bulusu Pentian community has raised pigs and chickens as their main livestock. However, in 2016, the community began to recognize cattle farming, which provided an additional source of income and became part of their economic development.

The leadership of Bulusu Pentian was initially held by the Village Head, with the first leader being Yaki Yotoi (1874–1896) in Baloy Panagar. Since the enactment of the Village Law in the 1980s, this title has changed to Village Head, along with a government program that centralized the community from scattered baloys to permanent settlements through the construction of affordable housing. Although they are now settled, the spirit of togetherness and close relationship with nature remains inherited from their ancestors in Gong Solok.

Bosoi Jelanjang is an area in the form of a river that is protected by the community as it is the main source of water; in addition, this river can also be utilized for fishing. Bosoi Jelanjang is located within the customary forest area, so indirectly this river is also protected by the community, which is why Bosoi Jelanjang has been considered important for a long time as it serves as the guardian of the water source that supports the community's life. The awareness of this ecological function has led the Bulusu Indigenous community to designate the river as a prohibited area that must be protected from all forms of damage.

Currently, Bosoi Jelanjang is managed communally by the indigenous community with customary rules that have been passed down orally through generations. These rules are unwritten but are adhered to by all community members. The main principle is to protect the water source and maintain the sustainability of the forest around the river. The applicable customary rules include:

• Prohibition on farming in the area around the river.
• Prohibition on excessive fishing.

These rules must be followed by both the indigenous community and newcomers entering the Bosoi Jelanjang area; violations will result in penalties in the form of reprimands, but if the violation is severe, such as actions that could damage the forest ecosystem, a customary court will be held, and the outcome will determine a fine in the form of a Tempayan/money. The customary court is conducted by gathering at the Customary Baloy, the place for community discussions to determine conflict resolution agreements with customary leaders.

Bosoi Jelanjang serves as the main source of clean water for the Bulusu Pentian community. Additionally, this area contributes to the biodiversity of the mountain forests. Some important flora species found in this area include;

• Owoiria (red rattan)
• Owoijalun (rattan)
• Tagas (ulin)
• Togolom
• Gaharu
• Ipah
• Lasun
• Kiliu
• Tabar
• Bakag Kelawid (bajakah root)
• Silad

Meanwhile, the fauna living around the area includes;

• Bakas (pig)
• Tambang
• Pelanuk (mouse deer)
• Payau (deer)
• Paus (deer)
• Abang
• Pelaju
• Berangu (fish)
• Pipi
• Sapang
• Kosop
• Tuntul

Bosoi Jelanjang is a Community Managed Conservation Area that serves as an important point, reflecting their awareness to protect and preserve their water sources.

Internally, Bosoi Jelanjang has long been recognized as part of the customary territory of the Bulusu Pentian community. Its management is under the authority of the customary institution with the Customary Chief as the highest leader, assisted by representatives and other customary officials. All decisions regarding the management of the area are made through deliberations at the Baloy, which serves as the center for community discussions and decision-making.

However, externally, Bosoi Jelanjang still has the status of APL (Other Use Area) in the national spatial planning. The Bulusu Pentian community is now committed to advocating for the official recognition of Bosoi Jelanjang as part of the Customary Forest area, so that its protection is legally stronger and not threatened by external interests, including company concessions in the surrounding customary area.