How the Melemba Guard the Habitat of Jatabara
Monday, September 2, 2024
The Melemba ethnic group in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, contributes to conserving the habitat of the Flores eagle. It is part of the indigenous community’s wisdom.
DURING the po’a loka ritual or the ceremony of feeding jatabara—a local name for the Flores eagle (Nisaetus floris)—Karolus Like, 81 years old, always recites prayers in Lio language. As the Mosalaki, or tribal chief, of Melemba, he leads the ceremony to seek permission from ancestors whenever outsiders come to the Otoseso customary forest. A chicken, betel leaves, areca nut, and tobacco are offered during the ritual.
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