Lubuk Larangan Pemuda

The community of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit has a unique area management system, namely: Lubuk Larangan. Lubuk larangan is a traditional practice passed down through generations along the Subayang–Kampar Kiri Hulu River, 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 (a pool) 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 pooled and becomes a breeding ground for fish, where there are rules regarding the utilization of natural resources in the form of restrictions and prohibitions on fish catching during certain periods, based on a mutual agreement among the community.

Lubuk Larangan has existed since the 1980s. However, it is not known exactly what events or circumstances led to the emergence of the lubuk larangan initiative. The reason the tradition of lubuk larangan 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. Typically, it consists of a lubuk larangan managed by elders and a lubuk larangan managed by 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 an agreement reached through deliberation involving all parties, namely elders, village officials, and the community of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit. 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 pool 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 pool is shallow.
3. Close to residential areas, making it easier for the community to supervise.

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 the elders based on a consensus agreement among all parties (including the village). Violations of fish catching in the lubuk larangan are met with curses (such as a bloated stomach and illnesses that will not heal). This occurs because at the beginning of the formation 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 a prayer reading (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, including nets (trawls), traps, and iron-tipped arrows (similar to harpoons). Using environmentally unfriendly equipment such as poison or electric currents is not permitted in catching fish in the lubuk larangan. 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 community of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit shows its concern for the river; they protect the river by implementing a fish harvesting system—they patiently harvest the results 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 protect the Lubuk Larangan area. This condition shows that the practice of managing Lubuk Larangan provides positive value to the community, not only as income for the kenegerian but also fosters a strong sense of brotherhood as many people from outside the kenegerian participate, creating a sense of community cohesion, nurturing a high sense of care for the village, and playing a role in the preservation of the ecosystem and fish species in the Subayang River. The preservation of the ecosystem can be seen from how the community of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit acts towards the river. They do not throw waste 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 community of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit to this day, showing that the lubuk larangan has become a symbol of identity or a representation of local practices successfully carried out by the Indigenous community in managing their own conservation area.

The Indigenous Community of Kenegerian Tanjung Belit has a legal basis based on the Regional Regulation of Kampar Regency Number 12 of 1999 concerning the recognition of rights to customary land. In addition, the Indigenous Community of Kenegerian Ujung Bukit has also established regulations regarding the formation of a committee for Indigenous Law Communities.