Lubuk Larangan Pemuda (Gajah Bertalut)

Lubuk Larangan is one of the local wisdoms of the indigenous community of Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut in managing sustainable natural resources, particularly 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). Additionally, it aims to protect flora and fauna from extinction.

The Lubuk Larangan of Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut is divided into 2 areas, namely: 1) the youth's Lubuk Larangan managed by the youth; 2) the ninik mamak's 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 upstream to downstream. 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 fishing in the pool is prohibited until the harvest time arrives. However, if there is a certain event such as the arrival 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 a customary 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 in 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 oral and passed down through generations. However, the surrounding indigenous community is very afraid and strongly believes in the consequences of violating the rules. 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 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 days, the youth are involved in the harvest/catching of fish, while women are involved in processing the catch.

Fish catching in the Lubuk is done using various methods, using nets (pukat), traps, and iron-tipped arrows (similar to harpoons). It is not allowed to use environmentally unfriendly equipment such as poison or electric currents when catching fish in the Lubuk Larangan. The caught fish 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 Gajah Bertalut community shows their concern for the river; they take care of the river by implementing a fish harvesting system—they patiently harvest the catch at a mutually agreed time. 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 also fosters a strong sense of brotherhood as many people from outside participate, 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 Gajah Bertalut community acts towards the river. They do not throw garbage and household waste into the river. Additionally, the community uses safe tools when fishing, such as nets, traps, and iron-tipped arrows—not polluting the river, causing mass fish deaths, or disturbing other river habitats. The existence of the Lubuk Larangan is maintained by the indigenous community of Kenegerian Gajah Bertalut 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.

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