Harangan Sibangbang

Sihaporas is the ancestral territory of the descendants of Oppung Mamontang Laut Ambarita who have inhabited this area for generations. The ancestral land of Sihaporas has become an identity that is inherent to its people, not only as a source of fulfilling life needs but also as a connection to their ancestors.

History records that the ancestral territory of Sihaporas was established through a customary agreement between Oppung Mamontang Laut Ambarita, Tuan Sipolha, the King of Siantar, and the King of Java (the Sinaga clan). This agreement was marked by a ritual offering of a buffalo that turned into the stone of Sidua-dua, which then became the boundary marker of the ancestral territory. Since then, the indigenous people of Sihaporas have managed and protected this area until the Dutch colonial period, when the ancestral land was forcibly planted with pine and has not been returned until now.

The ancestral territory of Sihaporas has two main forests, namely Harangan Sibelu, which is a communal forest that can be utilized for wood, medicine, and community needs while still coordinating with the customary elders; and Harangan Sibangbang, a sacred forest designated as a place for customary rituals, a source of spring water, and a place to gather materials for ceremonial equipment and traditional musical instruments.

Harangan Sibangbang is a sacred forest by the indigenous people of Sihaporas, serving as a place for prayer/customary rituals. This forest contains offerings for customary rituals, such as wood used as a mortar, for traditional musical instruments. Additionally, in Harangan Sibangbang, there are springs commonly used for customary rituals, as well as various plants to complement the customary rituals. Some areas are planted with pine (as a source of timber and economic resource) and others are natural forests. Besides utilizing pine resin as a source of livelihood, part of the pine resin contributes 1000/kg to the cash income of Lamtoras (the Customary Institution of the Descendants of Ompu Mamontang Laut Ambarita Sihaporas).

Protection initiatives are carried out by the indigenous community with the aim of preserving the existing natural ecosystem. Some areas are managed to maintain the culture passed down from ancestors, as well as to protect against damage caused by external parties. Harangan Sibelu contains various woods that can be utilized as building materials (houses). Pine trees and frankincense are utilized for their resin as a source of community economy. The customary regulations that apply in Harangan Sibangbang include;

• The indigenous community can manage and utilize natural resources, such as wood for timber or food sources found in the forest.
• Restrictions on the utilization of timber resources, such as wood, must remain in coordination with elders/customary leaders.

Harangan Sibangbang is a forest that serves as a space for the community as a source of life. For the indigenous people, the forest is a space for the community to remain connected between humans, nature, and ancestors. The utilization and protection of the forest are efforts by the community to maintain customs and cultures that will continue to be preserved for future generations, both through management rules taught by ancestors that are reflected in the biodiversity found in Harangan Sibangbang;

Flora:

• Trees: Igar-igar, Junjung Buhit (commonly used for ritual events), Meang (source of timber), Raso Berduri (for making mats), Bayon Loging (for making mats, woven bags), Bulu lomang.
• Plants: Toyot (bird food and can be used for wound medicine), Pucuk (for Arsik dishes (a typical Batak food)).

Fauna:

• Parimboan (a type of monkey).
• There is an important point guarded by the community within the Harangan Sibangbang area, namely Aek Sibangbang, which is a spring for the community.

Nationally, the area of Harangan Sibelu is designated as an Industrial Plantation Forest (HTI). This designation often leads to conflicts because it contradicts the claims of the indigenous people who have long controlled and managed the area. Therefore, the indigenous people of Sihaporas continue to fight for their rights to their ancestral land.

Efforts for recognition have been made through various channels, including:

• A recommendation letter from the DPR in 2000 supporting the indigenous people's claims over their territory.
• A letter from the Deputy Minister to the Regent of Simalungun containing instructions to form a verification team and issue recommendations as a basis for the establishment of the Sihaporas indigenous community.
• A recommendation letter from BRWA (the Agency for the Registration of Ancestral Territories) that strengthens the legitimacy of the Sihaporas ancestral territory as part of the indigenous community management area.

The indigenous people of Sihaporas hope that official recognition of Harangan Sibelu as ancestral territory can be realized soon, so that their rights are protected, and this area remains sustainable with management based on local wisdom.