The Momokan ritual is carried out when we wish to ask the natural entity for help in protecting
the mangroves from encroachers and destruction, and to maintain the relationship between
humans and nature.
Once we reach the sacred site, we will make rinantai-rinantai from branches
to place the food brought with us. While gathering the materials needed to
make rinantai, mongobabar must be done to request the permission from
the tree guardian to avoid anything bad from happening.
After the food is served or placed on the rinantai, the Momokan ritual can
begin. While the ritual is carried out, anybody with a wish can do so through
their babar to the natural entity. In this area, all who enter are not allowed to
make any noise or do anything that could offend the natural entities to
prevent anything bad from happening to them.
After the ritual is completed, a representative who will walk behind
everybody else will ‘mongobasa muli’ (ask permission to leave) to the
natural entity.
13 | 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