Sipung Karamat

The origins of the Indigenous Community of Dusun Malang Leu Muara Pari Sungai Parau began with the arrival of Temenggung Sulur and his wife who built a Rumah Betang on the banks of the Lahei River. Specifically in 1810, in Teluk Sulur or Leok Siwo—now located upstream of the village of Rahaden, the area was planted with fruits. Temenggung Sulur's wife gave birth to five children: two boys and three girls, namely: NTAT, LINTAI, and KAAK (female) & NAFF and MARAHANANG (male). The five children of Temenggung Sulur worked together to clear land or farm in the Teluk Sulur/Teluk Siwo area upstream of the Lahei River flowing into the Parau River, a tributary of the Lahei River. Subsequently, the descendants of Temenggung Sulur grew up and started families. Each of Temenggung Sulur's children farmed specifically in the Parau River area, from the mouth of the Parau River, the tributaries of the Parau River, on both sides of the Parau River, up to the upstream of the river. In 1935, the Temenggung Sulur family lived in groups forming a small village which in the local language is called Tompong (Pedukuhan). (source: brwa.or.id).

The Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau has an area that is protected and managed specifically according to applicable customary rules. This area has been protected since ancient times through generations. This area is important for the Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau because it has a history and a close connection with their ancestors. The area is called Sipung Keramat. Sipung Keramat is an area of former fields used for farming, searching for rattan, and planting rubber. However, the utilization of this area is limited—only the descendants of the customary head/chief of tompong can utilize this area. This area is believed by the indigenous community to be the resting place of their ancestors.

In addition, the Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau has divisions of other customary spaces, namely: Kerengkang Puga (Virgin Forest); Kerengkang Sanagar Uneng Ume (Reserve Forest for Farming); Jeung Uro Pulau Karaba (Former fields that have been planted with rubber); Sipung Munan (Fruit gardens); Katuan Baling (Bushes aged 30 years and above); Leu Muara Pari Hila (Settlements across the village).

The areas protected by the Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau each have different access to utilization. Specifically in the Sipung Keramat area, only the descendants of the customary head/chief of tompong can utilize this area. The main rules that apply in these three areas are 1) no damage is allowed; 2) opening new fields in any way is prohibited without permission from the head of tompong/customary head. The Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei strictly adheres to the applicable rules—because they also believe in ancestral curses if they violate them. Furthermore, the customary institution that regulates consists of the customary head/chief of tompong as the heir of Temenggung Sulur, Kepala Bantai as the executor of the customary head's orders, Penyirak as the executor of the Kepala Bantai to disseminate information to the community, and Basir as the executor in customary ritual activities.

The Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau has contributed to the preservation and biodiversity. They have made efforts to protect water sources and natural resources for future generations or their descendants. The Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau contributes to the protection of flora and fauna. The following flora and fauna are found in the protected area: Tingang Bird, Moek Bird, Bimiliang Bird, Tiong Bird, Owl, Tinjau Bird, Doyo Bird, Apou Bird, Bumut Bird, Mintit Bird, Klawet, Keu/Forest People, Porcupine/Tetung, Badok/Rhino, Bekok Daun, Okang, Kalawot Jomo, Lisio, Kuli/Tree Leopard, Biang/Bear, Fruit/Crocodile, Blambayau/Karuang, Kororondeng, Biyayang Taun, Kaak/Crow, Banteng, Samalatuk Bird, Putang, Karewaw, Using. Additionally, there are also valuable woods including: Ulin/Tidien, pungi/Pusi, Isin, Jangaan Plawan, Plepek, Bulau watu, Gading, Matamias, Lelemu, Mahuy, Bmeng, Kranji, Mlalin, Manggambir, Mangaris, Kakuluk, Sakalet/Papaning.

Moreover, this management practice also contributes to the preservation of cultural and spiritual sites—the Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau respects things they believe in even if they are not visible. The community can optimally utilize the results, water sources will remain preserved, and the area can serve as a medium for learning for both future generations and outsiders who wish to learn about the traditions and local wisdom of the Leu Karamuan Indigenous Community.

The Indigenous Community of Temenggung Sulur Hungei Parau does not yet have a legal basis governing the recognition and protection of their rights. Until now, there is only a legal basis that contains the Establishment of the Customary Law Community Committee in Barito Utara Regency.