Pelian: The Sultan-fish of Krayan River – A Symbol of Pristine Borneo
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Pelian: The sultanfish of Krayan. Photo Credit: Gat Khaleb. |
Of course, "sultan" is allegorical. It is a metaphor that
describes the high value, taste, or greatness of something. Pelian fish, a
typical fresh water fish in the Krayan River, Nunukan Regency, is so delicious
that it is called "the food of the sultans".
It goes without saying that Krayan is a slice of heaven fallen to earth.
Maybe too much. However, I have no other words to describe the beauty, as well as the natural wealth in the heart of Borneo.
Why not! Krayan Earth is filled with limiting Natural Resources. One that is
famous is the various types of fish, ranging from small, medium, to large. One
of the most famous types of fish in Krayan is the pelian. Or fish spare, people
there call it.
How does this sultanfish taste?
Food and habitat factors also determine it. Why? This is because fish live in flowing, clear, clean water. In addition, there are lots of plankton, fruits that fall into the water, insects, caterpillars, moss, and various foods that naturally make fish healthy and fresh.In terms of similarities, pelian is very similar to goldfish. The flesh is soft. This fish likes to live in water that flows quite fast, happy in water with rocks.
With clean scales and a tail that forms the letter V, pelian fish are agile in their movements to and fro. In fact, not only the Krayan River, other tributaries such as the Fe' Milau and the waters that empty into the Krayan River are endemic to pelian fish.
In simple terms, the narration of the philosophy of Lilin is related to the traditions of the Krayan people. How to get or catch the spare fish, must be completely organic, natural, using traditional fishing tools.
If not
with fishing rods, trawls, nets, or traps. Until now, it is not allowed to
catch fish like practices in other places that use electric shocks, poison
chemicals, and so on which will only destroy all biota and damage the
environment.
In the heart of Borneo's pristine rainforest, the Krayan River flows with a clarity so remarkable that it seems to be a river from a dream. Here, in this lush, untouched environment, lives a fish celebrated as the "sultan of the river"—the pelian fish. This nickname is more than just a title; it's a reflection of the pelian's esteemed place in the local culture, its exceptional flavor, and the purity of its habitat.
The pelian, with its shimmering scales and distinctive V-shaped tail, is a marvel of nature. Agile and graceful, it thrives in the cool, clear waters of the Krayan River and its tributaries, such as the Fe' Milau.
These rivers are not just waterways but lifelines for the pelian, providing them with a rich, natural diet that includes plankton, fallen fruits, insects, and moss. This abundance of natural food sources ensures the pelian fish remains healthy and its flesh remains tender and delicious.
A Jewel of Krayan's pristine waters
The Krayan River and its tributaries are more than just habitats; they are the essence of what makes the pelian so special. The clean, fast-flowing waters are crucial for the fish's well-being, and the natural environment supports a thriving ecosystem.
The river's clarity and the traditional methods of fishing used by the Krayan people are integral to preserving this delicate balance. Locals fish for pelian using age-old techniques that are completely organic, avoiding modern methods that could harm the environment, such as electric shocks or chemical pollutants.
The pelian fish is a symbol of the Krayan region’s natural beauty and the harmonious relationship between its people and their environment.
The tradition of catching pelian, with its deep-rooted respect for nature and commitment to sustainability, reflects a philosophy of living in harmony with the natural world.
The pelian fish, intricately connected to its pristine habitat, embodies the richness and purity of the Krayan rainforest, making it a true gem of Borneo.
-- Derayeh Lingu Tawak Lengilo
Borneo Travel
BORNEO TRAVEL is a blog specifically dedicated to domestic and foreign tourists who want to have a vacation, or have an adventure to enjoy the sensation of ecotourism, even those who intend to do research on the island of Borneo which is the third largest island in the world after Greenland and Papua. This island is not only exotic with various world attractions, but also rich in culture and biodiversity that will make anyone fall in love.
