Outreach in Manggeng Emphasizes Prohibition on Air Rifle Misuse and Wildlife Protection

SOUTHWEST ACEH, January 2026 — The Lhok Batee Intan Village Forest Management Institution (LPHG), in collaboration with the Aceh Forest, Nature, and Environment Foundation (HAkA), held a public awareness campaign on the prohibition of air rifle misuse and wildlife protection in Manggeng District, Southwest Aceh Regency. Approximately 50 participants, including village officials, youth, and local residents, attended the event.

The Lhok Batee Intan LPHG currently manages 514 hectares of forest through a social forestry scheme. Within this management area, several Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS) are operating, including the Bineh Rimba KUPS (nursery), the Keumang KUPS (management of Manggeng candlenut oil), and the Maju Bersama KUPS (management of non-timber forest products such as jengkol, durian, and other commodities). All of these activities are carried out to maintain forest sustainability while improving community welfare.

HAkA Foundation representative, M. Fahmi, S.H., emphasized that forest protection must be carried out according to regulations because humans live side by side with nature. Conflicts with wildlife are common, but wildlife plays a crucial ecological role that is often overlooked. He also highlighted the practice of hunting with air rifles, which has long been considered normal, and urged the public to understand the limits of their use to avoid breaking the law and damaging the ecosystem.

Manggeng Sub-district Head, Ridhawiyardi, S.Mn., stated that this activity provides an opportunity for youth and the community to actively participate in protecting forests and the environment. He emphasized that hunting should not be considered a cultural practice and that this outreach must be followed up with concrete programs, not just ceremonial ones.

The legal material was presented by Manggeng Police Chief, First Inspector Miswari, who explained that air rifles with a caliber above 4.5 millimeters require a police permit due to their destructive power and potential danger. He emphasized that hunting wildlife, including using snares, mines, poison, or weapons, is a criminal offense. The public is urged to actively report any poaching activity, including by parties from outside the area.

From a forestry perspective, the Tangan-Tangan RPH explained that villages in Manggeng District directly border forest areas, creating a high potential for human-wildlife conflict. Therefore, hunting wildlife is prohibited, both inside and outside forest areas, and wildlife disturbances can be managed using non-lethal methods.

This activity was also reinforced by material from the Leuser Conservation Forum (FKL) and religious perspectives from the MPU of Southwest Aceh, which emphasized that destroying the environment and killing animals without justification violates religious values ​​and disrupts the balance of nature. Through this activity, the parties hope to increase legal and environmental awareness in the community, and ensure sustainable management of social forestry in Manggeng District.

Contact Person :
Forest, Nature And Environment Aceh Foundation
Email: rajamulkan@haka.or.id