Tungkong Ayus

The history of Kampong Maridan has two different versions of the story. In the first version, Maridan comes from the name of a prominent person, namely Jabat, with evidence in the form of a grave. Jabat is a figure from the Paser Tribe who is believed to have opened Kampong Maridan during the Dutch colonial era. Initially, Kampong Maridan was the customary territory of the Balik Tribe, but now the Balik Tribe no longer resides in Kampong Maridan.

In the second version, it is explained that the name Maridan is taken from a large branch of wood that is upside down in a river. Maridan comes from a combination of the word 'Mori' which means sacred and understood to be undisturbed; and the word 'Dan' which means branch of wood. Over time, the combination of the words Moridan changed to Maridan due to the mixing of languages and dialects.

The Indigenous community of Kampong Maridan has a protected site or area, which is called Tungkong Ayus. Tungkong Ayus is a stone that was once a slippery ayus. According to the story, the ayus slipped while fishing for loden, and the mark of the slip resembles a stone shaped like a hip. The ayus itself is considered a powerful person with very strong energy.

The Tungkong Ayus area can be utilized by all Indigenous people of Kampong Maridan and other tribes living in Maridan, as long as it is not excessive and with the permission of tuo kampong (customary head). This rule is passed down orally from generation to generation.

• Destruction of mangrove forests is not allowed.
• Cutting down trees in the Tungkong Ayus area is not allowed.
• Natural resources cannot be taken excessively.
• This area can only be managed by the local Indigenous community.
• Harvesting natural resources must be with the permission of the customary leader.

• Customary Institution of the Kampong Maridan:

• Division of Space According to Custom:

• Alas: Protected land for garden reserve benefits. Types of Alas:

  • Alas Tuo: Dense forest for traditional needs.
  • Alas Bengkal: Forest with fruit trees and meranti wood.
  • Alas Mori: Forest that is guarded and considered sacred.
  • Alas Bakau: Mangrove forest.
  • Lati Burok: Shrubland from former rice fields.

• Umo: Garden or field for mountain rice and vegetables.
• Kebon: Land for rubber and palm.
• Gentung: Land for collective water sources.
• Kampung: Settlement in the Kampong Maridan area.

The Indigenous community of Kampong Maridan protects Tungkong Ayus because it has a history with a respected customary figure. This protection contributes to the preservation of coastal ecosystems and biodiversity, including:

• Diverse Types of Flora:

• • Song/Brus Mangrove (Male Mangrove)
  • Bawe Mangrove (Female Mangrove)
  • Niri/Boi Mangrove
  • Tengere/Tengar Mangrove
  • Landing Mangrove
  • Setigi Mangrove
  • Api-Api Mangrove
  • Landro/Berus Song Mangrove
  • Nipah
  • Jeruju

• Diverse Types of Fauna:

• • Tontong Stork (Endangered)
  • Scaly Turtle (Endangered)
  • Saltwater Dolphin (Endangered)
  • Mangrove Crab
  • Red and White Snapper
  • Stingray
  • Mangrove Oyster

The Indigenous community in Penajam Paser Utara Regency has a legal basis for recognition at the provincial level through East Kalimantan Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2015. However, until now there has been no specific regulation at the regency level.

The Indigenous community of Kampong Maridan is affected by the development of the Nusantara Capital in Sepaku District and hopes for official recognition and protection from the government.