Wana - Watutau

The village of Watutau has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, as evidenced by statues and Kori Bengki or pots used as cooking tools and burial sites. Watutau is the eldest child of Datu Tambolo. Before becoming a village, Watutau was a gathering place for dozens of households 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 in the shape of 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 once a place for elders/nobles to deliberate on maintaining 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 colonization, 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 government of the entire Ada Lore region has been held by Kabo as King/Magao in 1913, who later passed away in 1946. The government was then continued by his son named Sudara Kabo, and his leadership period lasted from 1946 to 1953. Subsequently, the term of government changed, and it was no longer a king but became Suap Raja led by Yonto Pelima from 1954 to 1957. From 1958 to 1961, the term of government changed to Lore District, based in Watutau, led by Tomas Gembu. The village of Watutau 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 Indigenous Community of Pekurehua Boya Watutau has a protected area passed down through generations, namely Wana Ngkiki. Wana Ngkiki is an area located at the mountain peak, covered with small diameter trees and moss. This area is a sacred/forbidden area. In addition to being sacred, Wana Ngkiki also contains springs within it. The Indigenous Community of Pekurehua Boya Watutau has its own spatial arrangement governed by customs and/or assisted by the village government—owned individually or communally. The Indigenous Community of Pekurehua Boya Watutau also has several areas divided according to customs, namely:

• Wana, an area protected by customs because it is considered a buffer zone.
• 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 grasslands.
• Porivua, an area for livestock grazing.
• Wanua Sae, an area of an old settlement.
• 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 groups/communal and individual, which has been regulated by customs. In terms of management, the Wana Ngkiki area is included in the management owned by the entire Indigenous Community of Pekurehua Boya Watutau. The main rule established in this area is that the community is not allowed to cut down trees and excessively harvest forest products. The sanctions imposed on violators of the regulations are a fine of one buffalo. This main rule is passed down orally through generations. All rules and decision-making related to the Wana Ngkiki 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 (Customary Chair), as the decision-maker.
• Topehuga (Deputy Chair), as someone who represents the customary chair.
• 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 Ngkiki area carried out by the Indigenous Community of Pekurehua Boya Watutau contributes to the preservation of forest ecosystems and the conservation of flora and fauna. In its management, the Indigenous Community of Pekurehua Boya Watutau focuses on protecting the area from logging/rattan extraction and not opening gardens, as well as focusing on protecting the area as a habitat 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 Ngkiki 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 that the buffer zone function will be maximized.

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