Lubuk Larangan Rio Kemunyang: When Local Wisdom Becomes a Stronghold for Forest and River Conservation

Across Indonesia, communities have long developed their own ways of living in harmony with nature. These values are reflected in diverse forms of local wisdom passed down through generations, shaping everyday life and natural resource management. In Jambi Province, one such tradition that continues to endure is lubuk larangan, a customary conservation practice that regulates the use of rivers while protecting freshwater ecosystems.

In Durian Rambun Village, Muara Siau Subdistrict, Merangin Regency, this tradition lives on through Lubuk Larangan Rio Kemunyang. For the local community, the protected river stretch is more than a place where fish thrive, it is a shared space that nurtures the relationship between people, forests, and rivers. It demonstrates that conservation does not always emerge from formal policies; it can also grow from collective awareness rooted in local customs and cultural traditions.

The Nilo River is the lifeline of Durian Rambun Village, providing water for daily needs while serving as habitat for numerous native fish species, including semah, gariang, baung, tapah, gabus, barau, and seluang. The river is closely connected to the 4,484-hectare Rio Kemunyang Village Forest, which borders Kerinci Seblat National Park. The forest contains at least nine natural springs that feed the Nilo River and provides habitat for important wildlife such as the Sumatran tiger and the Sunda pangolin.

A Community's Concern for Saving the Nilo River

Because the community depends heavily on the river, they were among the first to notice changes in its ecosystem. Beginning in 2016, fish populations declined due to destructive fishing practices, including the use of poison, electric fishing devices, and uncontrolled harvesting. At the same time, the habit of disposing of household waste into the river further degraded water quality. Concerned that the Nilo River was losing its ecological function, villagers began searching for a solution grounded in the values they had long upheld.

The idea originated through discussions between M. Abton, S.Pd.I., who served as Head of the Rio Kemunyang Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD) from 2016 to 2018, and respected customary leader Datuk Ali Umar. They recognized that protecting fish populations could not be separated from sustainable forest management, which was being strengthened through ecosystem services initiatives. This shared understanding eventually evolved into the establishment of a customary law-based fish conservation area.

The proposal received broad support from the Village Government, the Village Consultative Body (BPD), the Village Customary Institution, religious leaders, community leaders, youth groups, women's groups, and residents. Through a series of open village consultations, community members collectively determined the protected area, established its boundaries, agreed on the duration of closure, and formulated management mechanisms and customary sanctions for violations.

Through the Village Assembly, the stretch of the Nilo River from Lubuk Napal to Lubuk Lanca was officially designated as Lubuk Larangan Rio Kemunyang. This agreement was reinforced through both Village Regulations and customary law, making it legally and socially binding for both local residents and visitors from outside the village.

The inauguration was marked by a series of customary ceremonies reflecting the close relationship between culture and nature. Communal prayers, the recitation of Surah Yasin, traditional charitable offerings (sedekah adat), and the declaration of a customary oath officially marked the beginning of the river protection period. The name "Rio Kemunyang" itself was chosen to honor the village's ancestors who first established the settlement.

A Tradition That Protects Nature

In practice, lubuk larangan designates a section of river where all fishing activities are prohibited for a specified period, typically between one and three years based on community consensus. During this time, no one is allowed to fish using rods, nets, electric devices, or poison.

According to LPHD Chair M. Abton, lubuk larangan represents a form of local wisdom aimed at maintaining the ecological balance of the river while preventing destructive fishing practices. Once the protection period ends, the harvest also generates social benefits, as the proceeds support village funds and community activities.

Customary leader Datuk Ali Umar shares the same perspective. For him, customary law is not merely about prohibiting fishing but about building a collective commitment to protect nature while strengthening community solidarity. When everyone shares responsibility for safeguarding the river, a stronger sense of environmental stewardship naturally develops.

The Village Government also considers lubuk larangan an important part of Durian Rambun's identity. Beyond preserving river ecosystems, the tradition safeguards cultural heritage that the community takes pride in passing on to future generations.

Community-Based Monitoring and Customary Enforcement

The success of Lubuk Larangan Rio Kemunyang is closely tied to its community-based monitoring system. Management involves representatives from the Village Government, BPD, LPHD, customary leaders, community leaders, and local residents, making river protection a shared responsibility rather than relying solely on village authorities.

Despite this strong collective commitment, violations have occasionally occurred. In 2018, a resident was caught illegally fishing with a net at night within the core protected zone while the area remained closed. The case was resolved through a customary court, and the offender received customary sanctions requiring the payment of one goat, 20 gantang of rice for the traditional community feast (sedekah negeri), and a monetary fine of IDR 4,000,000.

A year later, villagers discovered dead fish upstream caused by the use of poison. Following community deliberation, the offender admitted responsibility and was sanctioned with two chickens, two gantang of rice for sedekah negeri, and a fine of IDR 1,000,000, reflecting that the violation occurred outside the core protected area.

Protecting Nature Through Customary Law

Under the current customary regulations, anyone intentionally catching fish within Lubuk Larangan Rio Kemunyang is subject to customary sanctions consisting of one goat, 20 gantang of rice, selemak semanis, a symbolic element commonly included in traditional Malay customary fines in Jambi and a monetary fine of IDR 5,000,000, as stipulated in both customary law and Village Regulations. In practice, sanctions may vary depending on the location and circumstances of each violation, as determined through customary proceedings. This consistent enforcement demonstrates that the community not only establishes rules but also remains committed to upholding them.

Beyond restoring the river ecosystem, lubuk larangan also generates economic benefits for the community. When the protection period ends, the reopening of the area is decided through village deliberation and celebrated as a community festival. Residents harvest fish using traditional methods, while revenue from entrance tickets, participation fees, and other sources is managed collectively for public benefit.

The 2023 harvest, marking the end of the 2020–2023 protection period, produced approximately 450 kilograms of fish and generated around IDR 7 million in revenue. Two years later, at the end of the 2023–2025 protection period, the harvest increased to approximately 550 kilograms, generating about IDR 9 million. The proceeds have been used to support village activities, mosque operations, social programs, and assistance for orphaned children. In this way, the benefits of conservation extend beyond environmental restoration to directly improve community welfare.

Lubuk Larangan Rio Kemunyang continues to evolve through community agreement. After operating during the 2020–2023 and 2023–2025 periods, the protected area was renewed again in 2025 for the next conservation cycle. This decision reflects the community's view that the tradition is not merely a legacy of the past but a living natural resource management system that remains relevant in addressing today's environmental challenges.

The experience of Durian Rambun Village demonstrates that conservation can emerge through community dialogue, be strengthened by customary law, and succeed through active public participation. When forests, rivers, and people's livelihoods are understood as interconnected, protecting nature becomes more than an obligation, it becomes a way of life. Lubuk Larangan Rio Kemunyang stands as a powerful example of how local wisdom can lead community-driven environmental conservation while offering valuable lessons for sustainable natural resource management.