Jambi's Datuk Rangkayo Mulio Customary Forest is Protected Together and Revived

"If you come here with plans to cut wood in the Customary Forest, it's good for you to come back." Said Datuk Rangkayo Mulio

Previously (for 18 years), the Datuk Rangkayo Mulio Customary Forest was quiet, almost forgotten. It stood majestically, but fragile and abandoned by the community. There was no guard post. There were no patrols, and the Secretariat of the Customary Forest Management Institution (LPHA) was absent. Local residents walked past it every day, but few felt responsible. The clean water flowing from the Batang Pelepat River was very unsuitable, murky and unusable. The younger generation was more familiar with cell phone screens than tree roots.

But all that changed. Slowly, but surely, our Customary Forest began to revive. A guard post was built, standing firmly on the border between the Customary Forest and the company's oil palm plantation. More than just a building, it became a symbol of resistance against destruction. The post now serves as a gathering place for forest rangers, young volunteers, and residents who want to help preserve their ancestral heritage. It can also serve as an overnight stay for scientists researching our Customary Forest.

(report by LPHA Datuk Rangkayo Mulio)

The 821-hectare Rangkayo Mulio Customary Forest in Bungo Regency, Jambi, serves as a livelihood for the local indigenous community. The Customary Forest Management Institution (Lembaga Hutan Adat) is improving the management of the Rangkayo Mulio Customary Forest. Through Village Regulations, the management of the Rangkayo Mulio Customary Forest is divided into two functions. The first is a customary function aimed at improving the welfare of the Baru Pelepat Hamlet community. The second is a protective function aimed at preserving natural resources, including preserving flora and fauna, preventing erosion, acting as a water catchment area, and preventing forest destruction.

This customary forest is rich in biodiversity, including trees with high economic value such as jelutung, agarwood, tembesu, and key fauna such as tapirs, peacocks (endemic birds), primates such as siamangs, gibbons (gibbons), and long-tailed monkeys. Another potential of the Datuk Rangkayo Mulio Customary Forest is as the headwaters for small rivers that flow into the Pelepat River. Some of the Pelepat River's tributaries are: Sungsang River, Meliau River, Deras River, Tamalun River, Sikotan River, Sagu River, Keruh River, and Cupang Duo River. All of these river waters are used as a source of clean water for communities in 10 villages, 3 of which are Padukuh Village, Sungai Lebong, and Semantung. And 7 other villages are in Baru Pelepat Village. In addition to being a suitable source of clean water, it can also be used for agriculture and fisheries.

However, upstream land management, including illegal mining activities and land conversion for oil palm plantations by irresponsible parties, has negatively impacted environmental quality. This has resulted in deteriorating river water quality, cloudiness, reduced fish populations, and increased the risk of disease. These issues highlight the need for improvements in the management of customary forest areas, while maintaining their function without destroying them.

Recognizing this issue, the community, along with the LPHA (National Forestry and Environmental Protection Agency), took the initiative to repair existing water storage facilities to improve access to clean water for community members in Sungai Lebong Village. They repaired the water reservoir dam and added three water filtration tanks. Furthermore, they also took the initiative to improve management and monitoring of the customary forest. One way to do this was by establishing a patrol post and conducting regular patrols. This was to increase security activities in the Datuk Rangkayo Mulio Customary Forest from the threat of encroachment, given that the area borders a large-scale palm oil plantation.

Patrols are no longer uncommon. At all times, small groups walk along forest boundaries, recording, monitoring, and guarding. A growing sense of security exists, not only for the forest, but also for the communities whose livelihoods depend on its balance. This includes the availability of clean water for families and their household needs.

Clean water now flows more readily to Sungai Lebong Village, one of the three villages that receive its water supply from the Customary Forest. A large water reservoir was built, channeling life to Sungai Lebong Village. Previously, water was slow and scarce, but now residents no longer have to wait long. They know this is not a miracle, but the result of a growing collective consciousness.