Danau Gunung Tujuh

The Siulak region is an ancient area that has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. Archaeological findings in the form of Burial Jars in Siulak Tenang Village indicate human burial practices from the 3rd to the 5th century AD. Paleoecological analysis at Lake Bento also proves the existence of rice farming and buffalo grazing dating back 4,000–3,500 years ago.

The name Siulak comes from ancient Hindu (Tamil) language, where Ci means river and Ulak means upstream or headwaters, thus Ci Ulak means “Hamlet at the Head of the River.” This name later became known as Siulak, which encompasses a wide area up to the upstream of Batang Merao. Before being known as Siulak, this region had several names: Renah Puntialo, Talang Jauh, Padang Jambu Alo, until it was finally called Siulak. The first written evidence regarding the name Sulak was found in the Charter of the Sultan of Jambi in the early 18th century.

The ancestors of the Depati Intan community are believed to have originated from Koto Limau Manih (the edge of Lake Bento, Kayu Aro). They then migrated south, establishing new settlements in Koto Batu, and then moved down to the Kerinci Valley, eventually forming the Hamlet of Siulak Mukai. From here, various villages were born that have now developed into six sub-districts: Siulak Mukai, Siulak, Gunung Kerinci, Kayu Aro, Kayu Aro Barat, and Gunung Tujuh.

The Depati Intan community utilizes the Lake as a tourist and fishing area using floating net cages (KJA). Anyone can fish in the Lake area, and if they want to create a KJA, they must obtain permission from the customary leader. The prohibition on utilization in Lake Gunung Tujuh is permanent because the indigenous community protects the area as a conservation buffer and land reserve for future generations. However, Rawa Bento is communally utilized by the local community but cannot be commercialized; moreover, outsiders can also utilize Rawa Bento but must adhere to the applicable customary rules. Some customary regulations regarding their land include;

• It is allowed to cut and take wood in Imbo for personal needs such as building houses with permission from the customary institution.
• It is not allowed to cut and take wood in Imbo for the purpose of selling.
• It is not allowed to damage the forest and pollute the springs; if violated, customary sanctions will be imposed.
• Before creating floating net cages (KJA) in the lake, permission must first be obtained from the customary authority.
• The fish caught in the river may be sold.
• Outsiders may catch fish in the river in limited quantities.
• To take/catch fish in the lake and river, the community is prohibited from using poison, electricity, and explosives. If violated, customary sanctions will be imposed.
• It is not allowed to catch fish using poison/electricity.

The established rules must be obeyed by the entire community. If these rules are violated, customary sanctions decided by the Depati Intan customary institution will be imposed. The mechanism for making customary decisions is conducted through a process where disputes in the indigenous community are initially handled by Ninik Mamak through deliberation. They gather data, evidence, and witness statements, then mediate the disputing parties to reach peace. If mediation fails, Ninik Mamak makes a decision based on deliberation. If there is a dissatisfied party, the case can be appealed to the Depati level. The process is similar, considering data from Ninik Mamak. The Depati's decision is final and binding.

The entire process of customary justice is conducted in the Rumah Gedang or Depati Intan Customary House, with the principles of deliberation, consensus, and justice to maintain community harmony.

Lake Gunung Tujuh is designated as a tourist and fishing area using floating net cages (KJA). The types of biodiversity in Lake Gunung Tujuh are as follows;

Flora

• Surian wood
• Singon wood
• Bedong Kunin wood
• Telebuk wood
• Pulai wood
• Malae wood
• Brengas wood
• Talentang wood
• Kenyaho wood
• Shin Rimbo wood
• Tumpul wood
• Klat wood
• Sweet wood
• Mdang Tlampung wood
• Mdang Batu wood
• Mdang Keladi wood
• Letung Biaso wood
• Letung Sawo wood
• Balam Puntai wood
• Balam Tinggi wood
• Balam Sedudu wood
• Meranti wood
• Bonco wood
• Pandan wood
• Coffee

Fauna:

• Siamang
• Tiger
• Monkey
• Black bear
• Brown bear
• Wild boar (Jukut)
• Karu (Chicken)
• Tenu (Tapir)
• Porcupine
• Deer
• Mouse deer
• Monitor lizard
• Pangolin
• Civet
• Elephant
• Orangutan
• Seluang fish
• Preh fish
• Semah fish
• Puyu fish
• Spasinti
• Semahin
• Shrimp
• Eel
• Njreng fish that resembles catfish

There are currently no specific regulations governing the recognition of the customary territory of Kedepatian Intan. The community is currently striving to obtain recognition and protection of Indigenous Law Community rights at the district level, which will be established through the Regent's Decree.