Preserving Biodiversity Through the Sitonang Customary Land Rehabilitation Program

The Sitonong Indigenous Community in Lobu Tolong Village, Sipahutar District, North Tapanuli Regency has long made nature a source of livelihood and cultural heritage that must be preserved. Forest areas with rich resources such as frankincense, coffee, rice, and various other food crops make them very dependent on the sustainability of nature. Unfortunately, some of the Sitonong indigenous areas are experiencing land degradation due to large-scale eucalyptus tree planting activities.

Loss of land productivity has prompted the community together with the Regional Management of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (PD AMAN) North Tapanuli to take recovery steps through a land rehabilitation program supported by the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding. This step was taken to restore the ecological function of customary land and strengthen the sustainability of community livelihoods.

The land rehabilitation program initiated by the Sitonong Indigenous Community aims to restore 8 hectares of land damaged by the planting of eucalyptus trees by the company. Starting the rehabilitation process, the first step is the construction of a nursery house in a strategic location close to the rehabilitation area.

The nursery house is designed as a nursery center for various types of native and productive plants that are important for ecosystem recovery and also have economic value for the community. Types of plants include andaliman, aren, coffee, and candlenut seedlings, because they are considered capable of restoring soil quality, contributing to biodiversity, and are commonly known to the community. Of the 4.000 seedlings prepared, 3.610 seedlings have successfully grown and are ready to be planted on an area of ​​8 hectares.

After the construction of the nursery house was completed, the community began to prepare everything needed for the nursery process. They purchased equipment and materials, including paranet, polybags, hoses, and tarpaulins, so that the seedlings could grow in optimal conditions. In addition, fertilizers were also given periodically to provide nutrients. Fertilizers were applied according to the needs of the plants, and the community maintained consistency in care so that the seedlings grew strong and were ready to face environmental conditions after being planted in the field.

Once the seedlings are ready, the community carries out collective planting activities in the 8-hectare rehabilitation area. The area is divided into several plots, arranged in such a way as to accommodate different types of plants to replicate the balance of the natural ecosystem. Planting of andaliman, coffee, sugar palm, and candlenut is done alternately, according to the characteristics of the soil and lighting needs in each part of the land. Each seedling is also ensured to get enough distance so that it can grow well. In addition, community members also share knowledge and experience with each other about the correct way to plant.

Community members hold weekly meetings to discuss progress and obstacles, monitoring the condition of the planted seedlings is also reported at the meeting. As part of the maintenance, the Sitonong Indigenous Community regularly applies fertilizer to accelerate growth and strengthen plants in facing the rainy and dry seasons.

Watering is done manually so that the amount of water given to the plants can be regulated, using hoses and other equipment available on site. The community also replants seedlings that are damaged by weather factors or disturbances from wildlife. Several temporary shelters to protect seedlings from excessive sunlight during dry periods are also established.

In order to ensure the long-term success of rehabilitation, the community also conducts regular monitoring of soil conditions and plant growth rates. Every month, several members trained in ecosystem monitoring check the soil conditions in the rehabilitation area, noting small changes in soil structure and plant growth around it. 

Monitoring is done to identify potential problems that inhibit plant growth, such as pest attacks or changes in soil water levels. If potential disturbances are found, the community immediately takes preventive measures, such as preparing additional protection or holding counseling sessions for members on how to overcome the problem. Monitoring is the basis for care to increase the chances of plant seedlings surviving.

By replanting local plants, the community not only restores the ecological function of the land but also helps maintain native plant species that are part of the biodiversity in the Customary Territory. For example, the andaliman and coffee plants that used to be the identity of local products now have a place to grow again in their natural habitat. The Sitonong Customary Community is not only trying to restore its own land, but also contributing to the balance of the forest ecosystem as a whole. The Customary Community shows how the power of local wisdom can be an effective solution in overcoming the problem of land degradation and maintaining the sustainability of biodiversity in the Customary Territory.