Lubuk Larangan Pemuda
Province Riau, Kab. Kampar, Desa Gema
History of Initiative
The Kenegerian Pasiamo community has a distinctive area management called Lubuk Larangan. Lubuk larangan is a hereditary tradition practiced 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 is generally 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 serves as a breeding ground for fish, where there are rules regarding the utilization of natural resources in the form of restrictions and prohibitions on fish harvesting for a certain period, based on a mutual agreement among the community.
This 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. Typically, it consists of the ninik mamak's lubuk larangan and the youth's lubuk larangan. For the boundary of the lubuk larangan area, the community marks it with a rope that stretches across the river.
Management Practices
The location of the lubuk larangan is chosen based on an agreement through deliberation involving all parties, namely ninik mamak, village officials, and the Kenegerian Pasiamo 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 lubuk larangan include:
- 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.
- The area around the pool is shallow.
- 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 a consensus agreement from all parties (including the village). Violations of fish harvesting 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 maintain the area of the lubuk larangan, followed by the reading 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.
Fishing in the lubuk is done using various methods, including nets (trawls), traps, and iron-tipped arrows (similar to harpoons). The use of environmentally unfriendly equipment, such as poison or electric currents, is not allowed. The fish caught will be auctioned in the village. The proceeds from the fish auction will be used for village development.
Biodiversity
The management practices of Lubuk Larangan contribute to the preservation of the river ecosystem so that it is not damaged by the communities living around the area. The Kenegerian Pasiamo community shows its concern for the river; they take care of the river by implementing a fish harvesting system—they patiently harvest the catch within a mutually agreed timeframe. Although they do not get fish for free, they adhere to customary rules and happily continue to maintain the Lubuk Larangan area. This condition demonstrates that the management practices of Lubuk Larangan provide positive value to the community, not only as a source of income for the kenegerian but also fostering 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 in how the Kenegerian Pasiamo 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 fishing, 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 Pasiamo to this day, showing that the lubuk larangan has become a symbol of identity or representation of local practices successfully carried out by indigenous people in managing their conservation area.
Legal Holders
The Indigenous Community of Kenegerian Pasiamo has a legal basis based on the Kampar Regency Regional Regulation Number 12 of 1999 regarding the recognition of rights to customary land. In addition, the Indigenous Community of Ujung Bukit has also established regulations regarding the formation of a committee for the Customary Law Community.