The way to Semende, a small sub-district eight hours from Palembang, was filled with thin fog and cold breeze. Visitors encounter the winding road by the cliff that lead to this coffee plantation areas in South Sumatra.

Besides producing coffee, Semende has a unique culture that has been passed on through generations for hundreds of years. In the custom known as Tunggu Tubang, the eldest daughter in the family has a responsibility to care for the family’s inheritance.

Herliyati (46), a resident of Cahaya Alam Village, Semende Darat Ulu, Muara Enim Regency, has been appointed as Tunggu Tubang in her family since young. She has to care for her ancestor’s rice fields, houses, coffee plantations and fish ponds.

The locals believe that the tradition of Tunggu Tubang is created by puyang (the elders within the local community). Their duties are assisted by sons within the family.

Those who have been appointed as Tunggu Tubang are allowed to buy new land, but may not sell any land belonging to their ancestors. If this rule is violated, the Semende people believe that the Tunggu Tubang’s family are in for a disaster.

“Tunggu Tubang are prohibited from selling our ancestral heritage, we must take care of it so that we won’t lack resources to live,” said Hindia, who is also the first puyang in her lineage.

In addition, the Semende people also have strict rules regarding local forest management. Residents are prohibited from cutting down forests carelessly in the name of protecting the environment.

“We are prohibited from clearing customary forests on hills and clearing land around springs. This will cause our rice fields and gardens to dry up and if we break the rules, famine will occur in this area,” added Hindia while showing the customary forest on the hill behind her house.