THE PAPUAN FOLKTALE "THE MYTH OF THE SACRED TREE OF KERLONGGONA" AS A REFLECTION OF ECOLOGICAL WISDOM IN PROTECTING NATURE

Abstract

The environment plays a vital role in balancing the lives of all creatures on Earth. The reciprocal relationship between humans and nature must be continuously preserved because only humans can maintain the existing ecosystem. An understanding of environmental preservation can be gleaned from the folklore found in every region. This is the foundation of a society's civilization. Papuan folklore plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of ownership of the natural environment. This is because Papuan folklore emphasizes compelling life principles regarding the treatment of nature. This study examines the myth in the folktale entitled Kerlonggona, the Sacred Tree from Wamena, as a reflection of ecological wisdom in protecting nature from human greed. This study uses an ecocritical approach to the analysis of Papuan folklore, while the method employed is qualitative content. The results depict the lives of Papuan people who still hold trees sacred as a form of effort to protect their natural environment from irresponsible communities. Their love for nature is shaped by their disdain for customary law and their prioritization of customary law to uphold rules passed down through generations.