Ulu Ae Wolomoni

The Indigenous Community of Nua Wolomoni has a protected area that is managed specifically. This area is utilized to support livelihoods, believed to be a sacred site, and is used for the daily needs of the community. This protection initiative has been carried out for generations; since the Indigenous Community of Nua Wolomoni settled, they have divided the land use (settlements, gardens, rice fields, fields, livestock grazing, forests, springs) and practiced protection in areas designated for customary rituals and to protect certain resources. The area is Ulu Ae Lowomoni. Ulu Ae Lowomoni is a protected and sacred area. The Indigenous Community of Nua Wolomoni believes that if someone enters this area with malicious intent, they will face misfortune. Additionally, in the Ulu Ae Lowomoni area, there are springs—communities utilize these springs to meet their clean water needs, such as for drinking, gardening, and so on.

The Indigenous Community of Nua Wolomoni has customary institutions to oversee and manage the protected area, the structure of these institutions consists of:

1. Mosalaki Pu’u is responsible for leading the customary institution and making decisions;

2. Mosalaki Peto’o is responsible for communicating with the community;

3. Mosalaki Ria Bewa is responsible for conducting customary meetings and advising;

4. Mosalaki Ndu Longgo is responsible for participating in activities held by Mosalaki Pu’u;

5. Mosalaki Eko is responsible for preparing offerings for customary events;

6. Mosalaki Kebe is responsible for managing the springs; and

7. Mosalaki Kea Kadho is responsible for managing family relations.

The Ulu Ae Lowomoni area is considered sacred—therefore, the community firmly believes that no one should take wood or hunt animals within or around the springs. When this is violated, the community believes it will cause illness and if known by others, they can be subjected to customary sanctions in the form of reprimands/customary fines.

The practices of the Indigenous Community of Nua Wolomoni in protecting the area have contributed to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. By protecting the Ulu Ae Lowomoni and Keli areas, high-value commodities and timber are maintained, such as: Kuwa wood, Naju, Singgi, Wowo, Nio, Uru, Ae Papa, Ua (rattan), Tagha (large rattan), Kua (thornless rattan). Additionally, traditional commodities and medicines are preserved, such as: Honey, Bewa, Kaju Kunus, Kaju Manis, Lande, Mipanae (fever medicine), Sarambina (ear medicine), Mora Roa (chest disease), Kirinyu (wound medicine), Alang alang (wound medicine), and Marmeke (cough medicine). Furthermore, the fauna within it is also protected, such as: Roa birds, Dua pigs (wild boars), Kata (wild chickens), Tori Biri (buri birds), Dua (owls). The community also benefits from the springs in the Ulu Ae Lowomoni area to meet their clean water needs, such as for drinking, gardening, and so on.

The Indigenous Community of Nua Wolomoni does not yet have a legal basis or specific regulations governing the recognition and protection of rights or the management area of the community.