The Ecological Wisdom of Melus Tribe in the Novel Mata di Tanah Melus by Okky Madasari

Abstract

Melus tribe is believed to be one of the first tribes to inhabit Belu area of East Nusa Tenggara. Melus tribe never wanted to accept renewal like what is happening today, so the customs that are in it are still supported. In this regard, this study aims to describe (1) ecological wisdom in the values of Melus tribe described in the novel, (2) the role of the environment in Melus tribe such as the physical back-ground. This research is descriptive qualitative research, using content analysis method. The data in this study were sourced from literature studies. Therefore, it can be concluded that the novel Mata di Tanah Melus has a story about the components of a power and environment that can be reintroduced. This ecological wisdom can offer a new relation between literature and nature, which is then used as a creative process or material in the creation of a literary work with the theme of saving the environ-ment or nature.