The Sound Of Birds Is Starting To Disappear, The Indigenous People Of Lasi Agree On The Prohibition Of Hunting On The Slopes Of Mount Marapi

The release of rare birds in Nagari Lasi, Agam Regency, as a symbol of the imposition of a ban on bird hunting activities around Mount Marapi. BETWEEN/Al Fatah.

The indigenous people of Nagari Lasi, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, confirmed customary rules that prohibit the practice of mamikek or catching and hunting of a number of bird species around the slopes of Mount Marapi.

"Initially, Ide was because our residents rarely heard the sound of birds like before. The sound of birds used to be a natural sign as well as a cultural heritage, but now it is increasingly rare," said Chairman of the Nagari Customary Meeting (KAN) Lasi, AKBP Jamalul Ihsan Datuak Sati, during the inauguration ceremony at the local nagari, Antara, Sunday, October 19.

The customary rules for banning bird hunting were agreed upon by 60 Datuak Ninik Mamak who had just been inaugurated in Lasi. The types of birds that are prohibited from being hunted include murai, bondo, karaoke, barababah, kompuo, punai, sikakih, balim, and situpang.

"For those who violate will be subject to customary sanctions in the form of a one-gold fine for residents outside Lasi. Meanwhile, for the residents of Lasi, the punishment is in the form of confiscation of hunting equipment and summons by Datuk," said Jamalul Ihsan.

In addition to the hunting ban, Nagari Lasi also stipulates other natural conservation rules, such as restrictions on felling trees and the obligation for brides to plant trees before marriage.

This step by the indigenous people of Lasi has received support from the local government and the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) of West Sumatra.

"This program is extraordinary and in line with our conservation efforts in the Marapi Nature Tourism Park area. We are proud because this initiative emerged from the community itself," said Head of the Conservation Section Region I of the West Sumatra BKSDA, Antonius Vevri.

He said the initiative of the traditional community of Lasi was the first in West Sumatra and was expected to be an example for other nagari.

Padang State University academics Prof. Indang Dewata assesses that local wisdom such as in Lasi is very important for disaster mitigation and environmental conservation in West Sumatra which is classified as disaster-prone.

"West Sumatra is a disaster-prone area, so a local wisdom-based settlement like in Lasi should be adopted. The conservation process is not easy and must involve community leaders," said Indang.

He added that in the future Paga Nagari is expected to be the main implementer in preserving the environment under customary rules that are in line with government policies.