and protected, because disaster may come if they are disturbed, destroyed
or disrespected. It has alreasy been proven through events or incident that
have occured in these scared sites.
If we or an individual has a problem or a wish, we can go to these sacred
sites and caryy out a ritual called ‘Momokan’ or ‘Mongapit’ so that the
natural entities can help us in dealing with the problem or achieving the wish
we have and also maintain the relationship between humans and the natural
entities.
Each sacred site has its own entity and there are villagers or individuals who
are gifted in these places, they know the names and have a relationship with
the entities. In the mangrove areas there area number of sacred sites such
as; Liwotung Radap, Watu Nu Ontoh, Watu Pongondalan, Watu Togonok
and Watu Gumpa.
c. Momokan Ritual
If we or an individual has a problem or wish, we can go to a sacred site and
carry out the ritual, Momokan or Mongapit, so that the natural entity can help
us in facing the problem or achieving the wish as well as maintain the
relationship between humans and natural entities.
The Momokan ritual is also conducted to prevent any disaster from
happening, such as encroachment and destruction of the sacred site and
community customary territory.
This ritual is conducted by a Bobolian or someone who has the skill to
communicate with natural entities in sacred sites.
Before we go to the sacred site to carry out the Momokan ritual, there are a
few things that need to be done or prepared to be brought to that place. This
includes; inutusan, tinuduan, traditional food (kuih pinaram, batol (rice wine),
bread, boiled chicken eggs and other food items according to one's
choosing), one white chicken and ‘pandi’ (white cloth).
12 | S u n g a i E l o i T o m b o n u o C o m m u n i t y P r o t o c o l