Rima (Rimo) - Kampunkng Karangan Panjang

Rima/ Rimo is a forest area that has been protected for generations by the Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Indigenous Community, which still contains large trees, springs, agarwood, and game animals. In addition, Rimo also has sacred places—believed to be areas that are sacred and have a psychological connection between the indigenous community, ancestral spirits, and nature guardians. The Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Indigenous Community has four sacred places, namely:

1. Pangulan Laman, located in the center of the village, the pangula laman ritual is conducted by Grandfather Patih Johit—every year the community performs the ngumpata pangulan laman customary ritual (a ritual to ward off evil).

2. Lampahukng Puaka, used by the community for rituals related to farming activities.

3. Nate’ Botukng, this sacred location is not far from the ngabu hamlet (old village). Here, the Telaga Bidadari can be found along with the Nibung Tree (a type of palm with thorny trunks). This place is where rituals are performed when faced with certain conditions, for example, when the community is in an unsafe situation or there is a major disturbance. The community believes that performing rituals at this place will be protected by the Tajak Bird—which is considered a sacred bird.

Kayu Hara, located not far from the village across the Pinoh River. Physically, this sacred location consists of the Kayu Hara tree (banyan wood)—which according to community belief is inhabited by the White Monkey. Whenever there are activities or celebrations, whether rituals in the fields or weddings, the community will place ancak (a ritual offering) at this location.

The rights to manage and utilize Rimo are granted to the Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Indigenous Community communally (Ompu’ Kampung)—this is based on the fact that the Rimo area is still intact or has never been subjected to activities there (except those related to spiritual matters). The community only utilizes/takes non-timber forest products for personal needs. The main rule that applies in Rimo is that no one is allowed to cut down trees indiscriminately. If this is violated, sanctions will be imposed in the form of confiscation of wood or payment of compensation. Resolution of customary matters is conducted through deliberation (bapokat). Deliberations involve all village members led by customary leaders and are usually held at the house of the customary chief/ customary hall. The management practices of Rimo are regulated and supervised by an indigenous institution called the Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Customary Institution, which has the following structure:

1. Manter Laman (customary chief), has the authority to be responsible in the village customary area.

2. Kepala Lawang (deputy customary chief), has the authority to manage customs and social activities, such as collecting assistance or donations for certain celebrations.

3. Manter Mudak, tasked with assisting the kepala lawang.

The Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Indigenous Community has spatial divisions according to other customs such as:

1. Kampunkng Buah (Tengkawang), an area of former village or abandoned fields, now overgrown with fruits and becoming a fruit village (owned communally).

2. Huma, an area for farming.

3. Bawas, an area of former umo that is prepared over a certain period so that it can be used again for gardening in the following years.

4. Laman, a residential area/village or place to build houses and the center of all their daily activities.

5. Kobutn Karet, an area planted with rubber trees, but also many fruit trees and bamboo trees can be found.

6. Paseen, a burial area located near the settlement.

The local knowledge of the Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Indigenous Community to protect the Rimo area contributes to the conservation (protection) of an area in maintaining biodiversity and water sources, such as: Kayu Sungkai and Kayu Kapuak. In addition, with the prohibition against logging, the Rimo area can function as a significant carbon sink. When utilizing non-timber forest products, the community also takes them in limited amounts and not for sale—this ensures the management of natural resources that is non-exploitative and does not damage the ecosystem.

The Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Indigenous Community decided to protect the Rimo area because it contains sacred places. These sacred places have cultural and spiritual values tied to the Dayak Laman Tawa Kampukng Karangan Panjang Indigenous Community. The community strives to protect the remaining heritage and preserve the ritual practices they still hold.