Abstract

This study aimed to describe and analyze the meaning of the tradition of "falia" in preserving forests in Muna Island in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, by employing a qualitative descriptive method. Key sources of informants were figures of culture, society and youth. Data collection techniques included observation, focus group discussion and documentation. Data analysis consisted of reduction, data presentation and conclusion.Results showed that in preserving forests Munanese people uphold the tradition of "falia" which they consider very important in controlling people‘s behavior their moral life, as well as in guiding humans behavior towards their natural environment. It is suggested that humans maintain and preserve forest each other, forest should be sacred and utilized as needed. Humans are prohibited from cutting down or slashing large trees. Haphazardly cutting down large trees may result in supernatural punishment in the form of disease inflicted by spirits inhabiting the tree. It is also forbidden to cut down trees near river. The tradition of "falia" is maintained through traditional institutions, by setting up a studio for discussion sheld in every village adjacent to a forest.

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