Pong

According to its history, the Golo Lebo community originates from a mountain called Gunung Lebo. In the local language, Golo means Mountain and Lebo means Green leaves that grow abundantly. Golo Lebo is located in the village of Kajuwangi. There are 3 villages or wongko there, namely: Wongko Mboeng, Wongko Bui, and Wongko Selek. In the Golo Lebo Kajuwangi Community, there are 6 tribes that arrived simultaneously with different histories until they settled. The six tribes are: Naru Tribe, Welu Tribe, Mulu Tribe, Ndari Tribe, Longka Tribe, and Watu Tribe.

The Naru Tribe and Welu Tribe originate from Bugis. From Bugis, they sailed to Palue-Flores and lived in Marowuwur for 2 months. From Marowuwur, they moved to Tompong for 3 years, with the reason for moving being to find a higher place. In Tompong, these two tribes separated: the Naru Tribe moved to Mbarunaru, while the Welu Tribe moved to Nanuwelu. After several relocations, the Naru Tribe finally settled in Naru. Over time, some descendants of Naru moved to Mulu and formed the Mulu Tribe.

The village of Golo Lebo then blossomed into 2 villages: Golo Lebo Village (the parent) and Kaju Wangi Village (the expansion).

The concept of land control and division in the Manggarai region is generally referred to as “Gendang One Lingko Peang” which means “Village inside and Fields outside”. This spatial division is regulated by Tua Teno. The community can request land from Gaen Wongko and Tua Teno. The indigenous community of Golo Lebo Kaju Wangi divides their territory into pong, mokang, uma, galung, and wongko. The pong and mokang areas are managed communally, while uma, galung, and wongko are managed individually.

Pong is designated as a forbidden forest or sacred site by the Indigenous Community of Golo Lebo Kaju Wangi. Customary rules prohibit tree felling, entering the area without a clear purpose, hunting, using foul language, or walking alone. If the rules are violated, the violator is subject to customary sanctions and is believed to receive retribution from the guardian spirits of the place.

Management of pong is conducted through customary deliberation (Neki Weki Sama Ranga). The structure of the Lebo Kaju Wangi Customary Institution consists of:

• Gaen Wongko: Manages customs in the ulayat.
• Tua Teno: Regulates land division.
• Biza/ Keboro Dor: Organizes village-level customary celebrations.

Pong is protected because it has customary rules passed down through generations. Additionally, the protection of pong contributes to the preservation of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. Some flora and fauna in the pong area include:

• Flora: Mei, Dalok, Mensang, Munting, Daru, Ampufu, Ledu, Ajang, Surnanak, Kawak, Lale, Waek, Merak, Kui, Mes, and Nyelong.
• Fauna: Birds, Deer, Antelope, and Wild Boar.

Traditional medicines found in the pong area include: Papaya leaves, Mahoni fruit, Siki bopok, Maeng, Alang-alang roots, Cat's whiskers, Jackfruit skin, Kembuh (noni).

The Indigenous Community of Golo Lebo Kaju Wangi does not yet have legislation regulating the recognition and protection of indigenous people's rights. However, they are supported by Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2018 concerning the Recognition, Protection, and Empowerment of Indigenous Law Communities in East Manggarai Regency.