Hutan Keramat Tanikng

The Dayak Simpakng Indigenous Community, often referred to as Dayak Simpang, is one of the sub-ethnic groups of the Dayak people generally residing in the districts of Simpang Hulu and Simpang Dua, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. A small portion of them also exists along the border of Ketapang Regency and Sanggau Regency, specifically along the river basins of Banjur, Semandang, Baram, and Kualatn.

According to common stories found, the Dayak Simpakng ethnic group originated from Tanah Tamba Rawang in Sukadana, migrating to Tanah Simpakng/Banua Simpakng. The political changes in the Sukadana Kingdom and the spread of Islam led the Dayak Simpakng people to migrate en masse to Banua Simpakng for several reasons, such as security considerations and interest in the natural potential of Banua Simpakng. The second wave of migration was caused by coercion for the payment of blasting taxes due to the cooperation between the Tanjungpura Kingdom and the Dutch East India Company. The discovery of the location known as Banua Simpakng was accidental.

Regarding the existence of the indigenous community in Mekar Raya Village, it is told that during the Matan Kingdom era, there was a figure named Ria Niti. Ria Niti was a highly influential figure among the Dayak Simpakng at that time. Ria Niti invited his close associates to hunt in the area now called Banjur (which became the center of the Mekar Raya Village government). In that hunt, they found large fish covered in slime and wild boars with rattan growing on their shoulders.

Seeing the abundant natural resources, Ria Niti returned to Tamak Rawang (Sukadana) to invite his friends to settle in Banjur and build a village. The name Mekar Raya comes from the abbreviation of three hamlets: ME (Merangin), KAR (Karab), and YA (Baya).

Mekar Raya Village was officially formed in 1996, led by Mr. Adoria Niti until 2000. Subsequently, the village was led by Mr. Keike (2000–2005), Absalon Nunai (2005–2015), and Mr. Toni (2015–present). Some hamlets in this village later separated to become new villages such as Batu Daya, Kemora, and Kampar Sebomban, while the hamlets of Banjur and Karab remained part of Mekar Raya Village.

The Dayak Simpakng community in Mekar Raya Village manages and protects various areas such as Tembawang, Sacred Forest, Bukit Semugo, and Gunung Timur. The Sacred Forest is used for healing rituals, cleansing the village from spirits, and seeking protection from ancestors, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sacred Forest is communally owned by the indigenous community and is utilized for rituals. The management of this area is carried out by customary institutions and the village government. The customary institution consists of Demung (customary leader), Lemaku (witness), and the Village Shaman as the person responsible for the sacred area. Each area has a key holder tasked with guarding that location.

Regulations related to management are currently passed down orally, but there are plans to draft Village Regulations to regulate the management of protected areas.

The management of the Sacred Forest plays an important role in preserving forest ecosystems and biodiversity. This forest is also a symbol of spirituality and culture for the Dayak Simpakng Indigenous Community. They maintain the relationship between humans, nature, and ancestors through various rituals performed in the forest.

Protected flora includes Maliali Bolang, Kumpang Darah, Red Betel, Rarak Bosi, Dogak, Akar Libang, Romeo, and Green Maaliali. Important protected fauna includes Pangolins, Honey Bears, Deer Rats, Civets, and Hornbills (Gading, Tajak, Kuko).

The Dayak Simpakng Indigenous Community in Mekar Raya Village does not yet have specific regulations regarding the recognition and protection of rights and managed areas of the community. However, there are legal foundations related to the recognition and protection of indigenous legal communities in Ketapang Regency, namely Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2020 concerning the Recognition and Protection of Indigenous Legal Communities and the Regent's Decree No. 589/DISPMPD-B/2021 concerning the Committee for Indigenous Legal Communities.