Wana Ngkirir - Watutau

The village of Watutau has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, evidenced by statues and Kori Bengki or pots used as cooking tools and burial places. Watutau is the eldest child of Datu Tambolo. Before becoming a village, Watutau was a gathering place for dozens of families in one house, led by a Tuana (noble)—as evidenced by the existence of house pillars made of stone. These stones are located on Mount Bangkebalu, Mbanga (grave). In addition, there are also statues shaped like coffins, Mpadali-Gumora-Watumolindo is the stone of the people. All residents scattered across the region or wanua are led by a noble based in Boea Lamba (Lamba village). Lamba village was formerly a place where elders/nobles convened to maintain unity and integrity. In the 19th century, an epidemic occurred that caused many people to die. As a result, the community moved to the village of Watutau until now. The village of Watutau is led by a Tuana named Ama alias Umana Soli. In 1907, the Peore War occurred, a war between the people of Watutau against Dutch colonialism, which resulted in the death of Ama and his colonies.

In the 20th century, the area was again controlled by the Dutch Government. Since then, the governance of the entire Ada Lore region has been held by Kabo as King/Magao in 1913, who later passed away in 1946. The governance was then continued by his son named Sudara Kabo, and his leadership period was from 1946-1953. Subsequently, the term of governance changed, and it was no longer a king, but became Suap Raja led by Yonto Pelima from 1954-1957. From 1958-1961, the term of governance changed to Lore Subdistrict, based in Watutau, led by Tomas Gembu. The area of Watutau village is not only inhabited by the indigenous people of Watutau, but also by several immigrant tribes, such as: Pamona, Javanese, Bugis, Toraja, Kaili, Balinese, Manado, and Gorontalo (source: brwa.or.id).

The Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community has an area that is protected by tradition, namely Wana. Wana is an area protected by customary law because it is considered a buffer zone. The Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community has its own spatial arrangements regulated by customary law and/or assisted by the village government—owned individually or communally. The Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community also has several areas divided according to custom, namely:

• Wana Ngkiki, an area located at the mountain peak, covered with small diameter trees and moss. This area is a forbidden/sacred area. In addition to being sacred, Wana Ngkiki is also an area that contains springs.
• Pandulu, a secondary forest area as a habitat for endemic animals such as Anoa and Deer.
• Pobondea/Holua, an area of former community gardens.
• Bonde, an area of community plantations that are utilized sustainably.
• Lida, an area of community rice fields.
• Pada, an area of grassland.
• Porivua, an area for livestock grazing.
• Wanua Sae, an area of an old village.
• Rano, an area for catching consumable fish.
• Powanua, an area of community settlements.

The spatial management in the customary area of Wanua Pekurehua Boya Watutau is divided into communal and individual groups that have been regulated by customary law. In terms of management, the Wana area is included in the management owned by the entire Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community. The main rule established in this area is that the community is not allowed to cut down trees and excessively harvest forest products. The sanction imposed on violators of the regulations is a fine of one buffalo. This main rule is passed down orally from generation to generation. All rules and decision-making related to the Wana area are regulated by the Watutau Customary Institution through customary deliberations involving the entire community. The following is the structure of the Watutau Customary Institution:

• Topolemo Ada (Chief of customs), as the decision-maker.
• Topehuga (Deputy chief of customs), as someone who represents the chief of customs.
• Guru Tulisi (Secretary), as someone who records during customary meetings.
• Topamboli Anu-anu (Treasurer), as someone who manages customary assets.

The practice of protecting the Wana area carried out by the Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community contributes to the preservation of forest ecosystems and the conservation of flora and fauna. In its management, the Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community focuses on protecting areas from logging/rattan extraction and not opening gardens, as well as focusing on protecting areas as habitats for animals considered important/high value, such as: Anoa, Deer, Wild Boar, Monkeys, Eagles, Owls, and Allo Birds. The protection of this area also contributes to the preservation of water sources that can be utilized by the community. In addition, the flora around/in Wana is also well protected, such as: Rattan, Damar resin, and Pine resin. The protection of this area is also intended for the sustainability of life/reserves in the future. If green open areas like this forest are well maintained, the community believes the buffer zone function will be maximized.

The Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community does not yet have a legal basis or regulations that specifically govern the recognition and protection of rights or areas managed by the Pekurehua Boya Watutau Indigenous Community.