Lubuk Larangan Ninik Mamak

The Kenegerian Tanjung Belit community has a unique area management, namely: Lubuk Larangan. Lubuk larangan is a traditional practice passed down through generations along the Subayang River–Kampar Kiri Hulu, Riau. Lubuk larangan consists of two words: lubuak and larangan. The word lubuak comes from the community's term for a deep part of the river (nook) that generally serves as a breeding ground for fish. Meanwhile, larangan refers to actions that are not permitted. Thus, lubuk larangan is a part of the river that is recessed and becomes a breeding ground for fish, where there are rules for the utilization of natural resources in the form of restrictions and prohibitions on fish catching during certain periods, based on a mutual agreement of the community.

Lubuk Larangan has existed since the 1980s. However, it is not known exactly what events or occurrences led to the emergence of the lubuk larangan initiative. The reason the lubuk larangan tradition was developed by the community along the Subayang River is that it has significant benefits and has been maintained to this day. Generally, one kenegerian (or village) has 1 to 2 lubuk larangan. It usually consists of a lubuk larangan for ninik mamak and a lubuk larangan for youth. To mark the boundaries of the lubuk larangan area, the community uses a rope that stretches across the river.

The location of the lubuk larangan is chosen based on consensus through deliberation involving all parties, namely ninik mamak, village officials, and the Kenegerian Tanjung Belit community. The location can change according to needs and conditions as well as mutual agreement. The criteria for the area chosen to be designated as a lubuk larangan include:

1. A river nook with a depth of about 4-5 meters during the rainy season. This area is chosen so that during the dry season, fish can still live and breed. It also provides a space for fish to multiply.
2. The area around the nook is shallow.
3. Close to residential areas, making it easier for the community to monitor.

The lubuk larangan is managed collectively. Supervision and monitoring are also carried out by the entire community. The establishment of rules and penalties is done by ninik mamak based on the consensus of all parties (including the village). Violations of fish catching in the lubuk larangan result in curses (such as bloated stomachs and illnesses that will not heal). This occurs because at the beginning of the establishment of the lubuk larangan, the community has sworn (believed to be witnessed by ancestors) together not to take and always protect the area of the lubuk larangan, followed by the recitation of prayers (Surat Yasin). This sanction is not written but is binding and strictly adhered to by the entire community. It is believed that such punishment is more effective than fines.

Fish catching in the lubuk is done using various methods, employing nets (trawls), traps, and arrows with iron tips (similar to harpoons). Using environmentally unfriendly equipment such as poison or electric currents to catch fish in the lubuk is not permitted. The fish caught will be auctioned in the village. The proceeds from the fish auction will be used for village development.

The practice of managing Lubuk Larangan contributes to the preservation of river ecosystems so that they are not damaged by the communities living around the area. The Kenegerian Tanjung Belit community shows its concern for the river; they protect the river by implementing a fish harvesting system—they patiently harvest the catch at a time that has been mutually agreed upon. Although they do not get fish for free, they adhere to customary rules and happily continue to maintain the Lubuk Larangan area. This condition shows that the practice of managing Lubuk Larangan provides positive value to the community, not only as an income for the kenegerian, but Lubuk Larangan also fosters a strong sense of brotherhood as seen from many community members outside the kenegerian participating, creating a sense of community cohesion, nurturing a high sense of care for the village, and playing a role in the preservation of ecosystems and fish species in the Subayang River. The preservation of the ecosystem can be seen from how the Kenegerian Tanjung Belit community acts towards the river. They do not throw garbage and household waste into the river. In addition, the community also uses safe tools when catching fish, such as nets, traps, and iron-tipped arrows—these do not pollute the river, do not cause mass fish deaths, and do not disturb other river habitats. The existence of the lubuk larangan is maintained by the Indigenous People of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit to this day, showing that Lubuk larangan has become a symbol of identity or representation of local practices successfully carried out by Indigenous communities in managing their conservation areas.

The Indigenous People of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit have a legal basis based on Regional Regulation of Kampar Regency Number 12 of 1999 regarding the recognition of rights to customary land. In addition, the Indigenous People of Kenegerian Ujung Bukit also have regulations regarding the formation of a customary law committee.