Batang Toru, 20 September 2024 – PT Agincourt Resources has spread 33,200 fish seeds in 2024, the value increased by 16% from the previous year, in seven of Lubuk Larangan in Batang Toru, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, to keep the aquatic ecosystem sustainability. The most recently, in September this year, the operator of Martabe Gold Mine released 9,900 the fish seeds to the Lubuk Larangan of Garoga River in Happesong Lama, Batang Toru.
General Manager & Deputy Director Operations of PT Agincourt Resources, Rahmat Lubis, said that since 2022 the Company has continued to boost the establishment of lubuk larangan in various villages around the Martabe Gold Mine area. This is because the Company realizes that lubuk larangan plays an important role in preserving biodiversity and preventing overexploitation that can threaten the survival of certain fish species.
”Biodiversity management is one of the sustainability focuses stated in the Company’s Contribution Strategy. For us, maintaining biodiversity in and around the operating area is the Company’s moral and ethical obligation,” said Rahmat.
Lubuk larangan is a system of local wisdom that developed in various regions on the island of Sumatra. This tradition involves restrictions on utilizing certain aquatic resources, such as rivers or lakes, for a certain period of time. Apart from being a means of strengthening local wisdom, lubuk larangan primarily functions as a nature conservation system to maintain the balance of the river ecosystem.
For the past three years, PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) has developed Satahi lubuk larangan in seven villages in Batang Toru Sub-district, namely Garoga, Batuhoring, Aek Ngadol, Sumuran, Sipenggeng, Batu Hula, and Hapesong Lama. Various types of fish was spreaded, including tilapia, carp, gourami, and jurung which known are to rare.
During its support for the establishment of the lubuk larangan in Batang Toru, PTAR found that the fish population increased after the prohibition time ended, which shows that the lubuk larangan is effective in maintaining the balance of the aquatic ecosystem.
”In addition to protecting aquatic ecosystems, lubuk larangan plays a role in increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. No less important, the implementation of lubuk larangan is one of the Company’s strategic steps in empowering the local community,” Rahmat said.
Read Also: Preserving Biodiversity in Batang Toru Agincourt Resources Adds 1 More Lubuk Larangan
During the lubuk larangan period, people are prohibited from fishing in the area. If anyone is found taking fish from the lubuk larangan, they are subject to sanctions according to village regulations. When the lubuk larangan is opened, or commonly called the panen raya (great harvest), the community is invited to catch fish together.
Batang Toru Sub-district Head Mara Tinggi Siregar emphasized that environmental sustainability is not only the task of government or company, but the responsibility of all community levels. He emphasized the importance of synergy among the government, community, and company in preserving environmental sustainability so that the future generation can feel the benefit.
”This activity is strongly positive and exemplary. Environmental conservation must be our common concern. By preserving the river, we do not only protect the ecosystem but also provide benefits for the next generation,” he said.
The Head of the Lubuk Larangan Management of Hapesong Lama Village, Gustina, said that implementing the Lubuk Larangan rules was accompanied by enforcing strict sanctions for anyone violating the rules. Anyone caught fishing during the lubuk larangan closure period will be fined.
“To be expected that all parties can be more responsible in complying with the regulations so that the continuity of the environmental sustainability program and the improvement of community welfare through lubuk larangan can be achieved optimally,” he said.
One of the contributions of lubuk larangan to village welfare is proved by the income received by Garoga Village when opening lubuk larangan. From the sale of tickets for the lubuk larangan opening, Garoga Village earned IDR 25 million. The funds will be used to purchase 1 ambulance unit.
