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

Preserving forests and the environment from all destructive activities is a commitment held firmly by the people of Linge Village, Linge District, Central Acehi District, Aceh. They are also working to fairly and sustainably manage village forests in the Leuser Ecosystem [KEL].

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

“Youth, traditional leaders, and the entire Linge community are trying to protect and save the Linge Kingdom site, preserve cultural heritage, and local traditions and wisdom,” explained Namtara, a youth of Linge Village.

Linge Village is surrounded by forest. The area also produces rice, durian and a number of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, coffee and candlenut.

The Reje [Village Chief] of Linge Village, Zainuddin, said that Linge is the origin 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 9,684 hectares. The areas are in Lumut Village, Linge Village, Owaq Village and Penarun Village.

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

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

“We are very happy that our village was spared from damage,” Namtara continues.

PJ Regent of Central Aceh, T Mirzuan, said the concern of Linge residents to protect the culture and environment from being damaged must be appreciated.

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

Citizens’ concern for the environment

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

“For example, responsibility for the forest is given to one person called Penghulu Huteun. For the river, it is given to Penghulu Sungai.”

He added that if there are residents who want to open land for farming or gardening, they must ask permission from the Penghulu Huteun. These traditional forest leaders will assess whether the location is suitable or not.

“If it disturbs water sources or animal life, the Penghulu Huteun will prohibit it. If the resident continues to open, a fine will be imposed. The most severe is being expelled from the village,” he explains.

Badrul Irfan, Secretary of the Aceh Natural Forest and Environment Foundation[HAkA], said on Monday [5/8/2024] that his organization, which assists the Linge community, also supports this effort. Protecting the environment and forests from damage is a fixed price for the Linge community.

“They have obtained forest management rights for 450 hectares through the village forest scheme. This is an opportunity that Linge residents should take advantage of to manage their environment,” he explained.