Article by Junaidi Hanafiah / www.mongabay.co.id

Preserving forests and the environment from all destructive activities is a commitment firmly held by the people of Linge Village, Linge District, Central Acehi Regency, Aceh. They also strive to manage village forests in a fair and sustainable manner in the Leuser Ecosystem [KEL/Kawasan Ekosistem Leuser].

This statement is contained in the Joint Statement of Commitment of the Linge Village Community, which was read at the Linge Nenggeri Festival, Saturday [13/7/2024].

"Youth, traditional leaders, and the entire Linge community are trying to maintain and save the Linge Kingdom site, preserving cultural heritage, as well as local traditions and wisdom," explained Namtara, a youth from Linge Village.

Linge Village is surrounded by forests. This area is also a producer of rice, durian, and a number of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, coffee, and candlenut.

The Reje [Village Head] of Linge Village, Zainuddin said, Linge is the origin area of the Gayo people.

"We reject activities that damage the customs and culture of the Gayo people, especially the environment. Including, gold mining."

Previously, PT Linge Mineral Resource [LMR] planned to mine gold in Linge District, which covers an area of 9,684 hectares. The area is in Lumut Village, Linge Village, Owaq Village, and Penarun Village.

The Linge community rejected the planned gold mining in their village, fearing that the activity threatened the environment and the safety of the community.

In the additional announcement of the Environmental Impact Analysis Study Plan, September 29, 2023, Linge Village is no longer included in the mining activities.

"We are very happy, our village was spared damage," continued Namtara.

Acting Regent of Central Aceh, T Mirzuan, said that the concern of Linge residents to protect culture and the environment so that it is not damaged must be appreciated.

"This positive thing can inspire other regions in Aceh, he explained.

Abdul Salam [65], the Traditional Chairman of Kampung Linge, said the customary law of the Gayo people regulates many things. Not only community rights, but also sustainable natural resource management.

"For example, the responsibility for forests is given forest security to one person named Penghulu Huteun. For the river, it is given to the River Head."

He added, if there are residents who want to clear land for farming or gardening, they must ask permission from the Huteun Head. The traditional leaders of this forest will assess whether the location is appropriate or not.

"If it interferes with water sources or animal life, Penghulu Huteun will prohibit it. If the resident remains open, he will be fined. The hardest thing is being expelled from the village," he explained.

Badrul Irfan, Secretary of the Aceh Natural Forest and Environment Foundation [HAkA], on Monday [5/8/2024] said that the NGO accompanying the Linge community also supports the effort. Protecting the environment and forests from damage is the final price for the Linge people.

"They have obtained the right to manage 450 hectares of forest through the village forest scheme. This is an opportunity that Linge residents must take advantage of to manage their environment," he explained.