Rawa Bento

The Siulak region is an ancient area that has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. Archaeological finds in the form of Urn Burials in Siulak Tenang Village indicate human burial practices from the 3rd to the 5th centuries AD. Paleoecological analysis in Bento Lake 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 headwater, thus Ci Ulak means “Village at the River Head.” 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 area 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 Sultan of Jambi's charter in the early 18th century.

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

Bento Swamp is one of the highest swamps in Indonesia. From its geological history, Bento Swamp is a remnant of the ancient Kerinci Lake. Due to sedimentation from the surrounding river flows, the ancient lake became shallower and was eventually covered by swamp forest. Bento Swamp also serves as a habitat for dozens of bird species, including the belibis bird, an endemic bird of Sumatra. Additionally, there is one type of primate, Simpai, that lives in the trees. Bento Swamp is located within the Kerinci Seblat National Park. Previously, there was much hunting and illegal logging in Bento Swamp. However, since it has been designated for ecotourism, hunting and tree logging are prohibited.

The prohibition on utilization in Bento Swamp is permanent because the indigenous community protects the area as a conservation buffer and land reserve for future generations. Nevertheless, Bento Swamp is utilized communally by the local community but cannot be commercialized; furthermore, outsiders may also utilize Bento Swamp but must adhere to the prevailing customary rules. Some customary rules of the community regarding their land include;

• It is permissible to cut and take wood in Imbo for personal use, such as building a house, with permission from the customary institution.
• It is not allowed to cut and take wood in Imbo for the purpose of selling.
• It is prohibited to damage the forest and pollute the springs; violations will incur customary sanctions.
• Before making floating net cages (KJA) in the lake, permission must first be obtained from the customary authority.
• Fish caught in the river may be sold.
• Outsiders may catch fish in the river in limited quantities.
• To catch/fish in the lake and river, the community is prohibited from using poison, electricity, and explosives. Violations will incur customary sanctions.
• It is not allowed to catch fish using poison/electricity.

The established rules must be adhered to by the entire community. If these rules are violated, customary sanctions will be imposed as determined by the Depati Intan customary institution. 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 any party is dissatisfied, the case can be appealed to the Depati level. The process is similar, considering the data from Ninik Mamak. The Depati's decision is final and binding.

All processes of customary justice are conducted at the Rumah Gedang or Depati Intan Customary House, based on the principles of deliberation, consensus, and justice to maintain community harmony.

Bento Swamp (Peatland) is a wetland area used as a source of irrigation and also as an area for fishing tourism. Bento Swamp (Peatland) is owned and utilized collectively. The types of biodiversity found in Bento Swamp 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 looks like catfish

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