Analysis Of Community Perception Of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) In Harapan Jaya Village, Sei Lepan District, North Sumatra Regency

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Analysis of Community Perception of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) in Harapan Jaya Village, Sei Lepan District, North Sumatra Regency

The Perception of the Community Around the Gunung Leuser National Park: Between Sustainability and Economic Interests

Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL), often referred to as the lungs of Sumatra, is a treasure trove of biodiversity, natural beauty, and ecological significance. This park not only plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem but also supports the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. This study aims to explore the perception of the community in Harapan Jaya Village, Sei Lepan District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, regarding the existence and preservation of TNGL. The focus of this research is on three community groups: Core People's Farmers (PIR), non-Core People's Farmers (Non-PIR), and forest encroachers.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive method, utilizing questionnaires and interviews as data collection tools. A total of 90 respondents, 30 people from each group, were selected as the subject of research. In addition, interviews were conducted with several community leaders in Harapan Jaya Village to gain a deeper understanding of the community's perception.

Results

The results of the data analysis revealed a significant difference in perception between the three groups of people. In the PIR and non-PIR groups, the socioeconomic level of the community did not affect their perception of TNGL. They understood the importance of TNGL as a source of livelihood and preserving nature. Conversely, in the forest encroachers group, their perception of TNGL was influenced by factors such as age, income, and dependents. The younger, low-income, and the number of dependents, the higher their desire to use the forest to meet economic needs. This shows that poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods are the main driving factors for forest encroachment.

Community Participation in TNGL Preservation

The difference in perception is also reflected in the form of community participation in the preservation of TNGL. PIR and non-PIR are more active in inviting other communities not to explore the forest. Meanwhile, forest encroachers follow more counseling activities, but not necessarily change their behavior.

The Gap Between Understanding and Reality

This study highlights the gap between understanding the importance of TNGL preservation and reality in the field. Although most people understand the benefits of TNGL, economic pressure is still a major challenge in maintaining its sustainability. Therefore, it needs more concrete efforts to improve the welfare of the community around TNGL.

Sustainable Economic Empowerment Programs

Sustainable economic empowerment programs, such as the development of agroforestry, community-based tourism, and skills training, can be the right solution. In addition, sustainable education and counseling about the importance of TNGL preservation needs to be improved, especially to forest encroachers groups.

Improving Community Welfare and Encouraging Active Participation

By improving the welfare of the community and encouraging active participation in the preservation of TNGL, it is hoped that the symbiosis of mutualism between humans and nature will create. This is important to preserve the TNGL ecosystem and guarantee the sustainability of the lives of the surrounding community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the community's perception of TNGL and the need for sustainable economic empowerment programs to improve the welfare of the community. By addressing the root causes of forest encroachment and promoting active participation in TNGL preservation, we can create a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, ensuring the sustainability of the TNGL ecosystem and the lives of the surrounding community.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Develop sustainable economic empowerment programs, such as agroforestry, community-based tourism, and skills training, to improve the welfare of the community.
  • Improve sustainable education and counseling about the importance of TNGL preservation, especially to forest encroachers groups.
  • Encourage active participation in TNGL preservation by involving the community in decision-making processes and providing them with the necessary resources and support.
  • Address the root causes of forest encroachment, such as poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods, by providing alternative income sources and improving access to education and healthcare.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  • Conducting a more in-depth analysis of the socioeconomic factors influencing the community's perception of TNGL.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of sustainable economic empowerment programs in improving the welfare of the community.
  • Developing and implementing more effective education and counseling programs to promote TNGL preservation.
  • Investigating the impact of community participation in TNGL preservation on the ecosystem and the lives of the surrounding community.
    Q&A: Analysis of Community Perception of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) in Harapan Jaya Village, Sei Lepan District, North Sumatra Regency

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) in Sumatra?

A: Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) is a treasure trove of biodiversity, natural beauty, and ecological significance. It plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem and supports the livelihoods of the surrounding communities.

Q: What are the three community groups studied in this research?

A: The three community groups studied in this research are: Core People's Farmers (PIR), non-Core People's Farmers (Non-PIR), and forest encroachers.

Q: What is the main difference in perception between the three community groups?

A: The main difference in perception between the three community groups is that PIR and non-PIR understand the importance of TNGL as a source of livelihood and preserving nature, while forest encroachers are influenced by factors such as age, income, and dependents, and are more likely to use the forest to meet economic needs.

Q: What are the root causes of forest encroachment?

A: The root causes of forest encroachment are poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods. Forest encroachers are often younger, low-income individuals with a large number of dependents, who are driven to use the forest to meet their economic needs.

Q: What are the sustainable economic empowerment programs recommended to improve the welfare of the community?

A: The sustainable economic empowerment programs recommended to improve the welfare of the community are: development of agroforestry, community-based tourism, and skills training.

Q: Why is it important to improve sustainable education and counseling about the importance of TNGL preservation?

A: It is important to improve sustainable education and counseling about the importance of TNGL preservation because it can help to change the behavior of forest encroachers and promote active participation in TNGL preservation.

Q: What is the expected outcome of improving community welfare and encouraging active participation in TNGL preservation?

A: The expected outcome of improving community welfare and encouraging active participation in TNGL preservation is the creation of a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, ensuring the sustainability of the TNGL ecosystem and the lives of the surrounding community.

Additional Questions and Answers

Q: What are the implications of this study for conservation efforts in TNGL?

A: The implications of this study for conservation efforts in TNGL are that it highlights the importance of understanding the community's perception of TNGL and the need for sustainable economic empowerment programs to improve the welfare of the community.

Q: How can the findings of this study be applied to other conservation efforts in Indonesia?

A: The findings of this study can be applied to other conservation efforts in Indonesia by highlighting the importance of understanding the community's perception of the protected area and the need for sustainable economic empowerment programs to improve the welfare of the community.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it is a case study and may not be generalizable to other communities, and that it relies on self-reported data from the respondents.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: The future research directions for this study are to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the socioeconomic factors influencing the community's perception of TNGL, to explore the effectiveness of sustainable economic empowerment programs, and to develop and implement more effective education and counseling programs to promote TNGL preservation.