Lubuk Larangan Ninik Mamak (Gajah Bertalut)

Lubuk Larangan is one of the local wisdoms of the indigenous community of Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut in managing sustainable natural resources, especially river management. This Lubuk Larangan was established as an area with a prohibition on fishing since 1993. The management of the Lubuk Larangan area aims to enhance all aspects of the Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut community (economic, social, cultural). In addition, it also aims to protect flora and fauna from extinction.

The Lubuk Larangan of Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut is divided into 2 areas, namely:

• Youth Lubuk Larangan managed by the youth
• Ninik Mamak Lubuk Larangan managed by Ninik Mamak.

This Lubuk Larangan is located on the Subayang River—which is the only transportation route for people and goods using motorboats from the upstream to the downstream of the river. Along the flow of the Subayang River, there are six kenegerian, namely: Kenegerian Batu Sanggan, Kenegerian Malako Kociak, Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut, Kenegerian Aur Kuning, Kenegerian Terusan, and Kenegerian Pangkalan Serai. The Lubuk Larangan area of Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut is also part of the Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling Wildlife Sanctuary since 2014.

The Lubuk Larangan is only utilized by the community based on the harvest time. The rules for utilization are agreed upon in a joint deliberation (duduak baundiang). The main rule that applies in the management of the Lubuk Larangan is that it is prohibited to catch fish in the Lubuk (pond) until the harvest season arrives. However, if there are certain events such as the presence of honored guests, with the negotiation and approval of Datuak Pucuk and Ninik Mamak, fish may be taken by performing rituals such as praying and reciting Surah Yasin first.

The indigenous community of Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut has an adat structure consisting of:

1. Datuk Pucuk Godangka Nagori serves as the authority holder in an event
2. Ninik Mamak serves as an advisor
3. Dubalang serves as an assistant or as an extension of Ninik Mamak's affairs
4. Mamak Kampung serves to carry out orders from Datuk Pucuk
5. Malin serves to manage religious affairs

The regulations applied in the management of the Lubuk Larangan are only verbal and passed down through generations. However, the surrounding indigenous community is very fearful and strongly believes in the consequences that arise if the rules are violated. If a violation occurs, the community will recite Surah Yasin so that the violator receives punishment from the Almighty. The distribution rules for the harvest of the Lubuk Larangan for Ninik Mamak and the youth are divided into 3 parts, namely: for the Ninik Mamak fund, for the place of worship fund, and for the youth fund.

On harvest day, the youth are involved in the harvesting/catching of fish, while women are involved in processing the catch. Fish catching in the Lubuk is done using various methods, including nets (pukat), traps, and iron arrow guns (similar to harpoons). It is not permitted to use environmentally unfriendly equipment such as poison or electric currents. The caught fish will be auctioned in the village. The proceeds from the fish auction will be used for village development.

The management practices of Lubuk Larangan contribute to the preservation of river ecosystems so that they are not damaged by the communities living around the area. The Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut community shows its concern for the river; they take care of the river by implementing a fishing harvest 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 maintain the Lubuk Larangan area.

This condition shows that the management practices of Lubuk Larangan provide positive value to the community. Not only as a source of income for the kenegerian, Lubuk Larangan also fosters a strong sense of brotherhood, creates community cohesion, nurtures a high sense of care for the village, and plays a role in preserving the ecosystem and fish species in the Subayang River.

The preservation of the ecosystem can be seen from how the Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut 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 arrow guns—these do not pollute the river, do not cause mass fish deaths, and do not disturb other river habitats.

Regulation of Kampar Regency Number 12 of 1999 concerning Customary Land Rights