Investigate the causes of the conflict

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 19 views

Analysis of the Economic and Social Losses of the People of Sumatran Orangutan Conflict (Pongo Abelii) in Trumon Tengah District, South Aceh Regency

Introduction

The conflict between humans and wildlife, particularly Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo Abelii), has been increasing in various regions, including Central Trumon District, South Aceh Regency. This conflict is primarily caused by human activities in opening forest land for agricultural and plantation purposes, leading to an increase in orangutan population in areas managed by humans. The presence of orangutans in these areas without adequate knowledge can threaten their existence as protected animals. This study aims to analyze the economic losses experienced by the local community due to this conflict, evaluate the mitigation efforts that have been carried out, and explore the perception of the community regarding the cause of conflict between humans and orangutans.

Background of the Study

The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo Abelii) is one of the most endangered species in the world, with a population of less than 14,000 individuals remaining in the wild. The main cause of their decline is habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization. In Trumon Tengah District, South Aceh Regency, the conflict between humans and orangutans has been increasing in recent years, with reports of orangutans entering agricultural areas and causing damage to crops.

Methodology

This study was conducted in January 2021, in Krueng Batee Village and Pulo Paya Village using the Purposive Sampling method through direct interviews with local residents. The data obtained was then analyzed descriptively. The study aimed to identify the economic losses experienced by the community due to the conflict, evaluate the mitigation efforts that have been carried out, and explore the perception of the community regarding the cause of conflict between humans and orangutans.

Results

The results of the study showed that the losses experienced by the community in Krueng Batee Village reached Rp6,260,000 per family per year, while in Pulo Paya Village, the loss was more significant, amounting to Rp32,282,000.00 per family per year. These figures reflect a considerable economic impact felt by the community due to the conflict. In addition, the Orangutan Information Center has made various conflict mitigation efforts with a normal budget of Rp11,400,000.00. This effort shows the seriousness of the institution in protecting orangutans while helping the community to overcome losses due to the existence of these animals.

Discussion

The results of the study highlight the significant economic impact of the conflict between humans and orangutans on the local community. The community's dependence on agriculture as a source of income makes this conflict more complex. The community needs to get a deeper understanding of the ecology and behavior of orangutans, so that they can reduce losses without having to hurt protected animals. The study also highlights the importance of education on ways of conflict mitigation, as well as increasing public understanding of the importance of maintaining the existence of orangutans.

Conclusion

The conflict between humans and orangutans in Trumon Tengah District, South Aceh Regency, is a complex issue that requires a collaborative approach between the government, conservation institutions, and local communities. The study highlights the need for sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community. Awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and its economic impact on the surrounding community needs to be continued to be improved, so that orangutans and humans can live side by side harmoniously.

Recommendations

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

Education and awareness: Education on ways of conflict mitigation, as well as increasing public understanding of the importance of maintaining the existence of orangutans, is essential to reduce existing conflicts.
Collaborative approach: A collaborative approach between the government, conservation institutions, and local communities is needed to maintain a balance between preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.
Sustainable solutions: Sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community need to be developed and implemented.
Increased funding: Increased funding is needed to support conflict mitigation efforts and conservation programs.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study was conducted in only two villages, which may not be representative of the entire district.
Limited data: The study relied on descriptive data, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the conflict.
Lack of control group: The study did not have a control group, which may have affected the validity of the results.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the causes of the conflict: Further research is needed to investigate the causes of the conflict between humans and orangutans.
Develop sustainable solutions: Research should focus on developing sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.
Evaluate the effectiveness of conflict mitigation efforts: Research should evaluate the effectiveness of conflict mitigation efforts and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Q: What is the main cause of the conflict between humans and orangutans in Trumon Tengah District, South Aceh Regency?

A: The main cause of the conflict is the orangutan's preference for plants planted by residents, which raises concerns and uncertainty for farmers who feel their crops are threatened.

Q: What are the economic losses experienced by the community due to the conflict?

A: The study found that the losses experienced by the community in Krueng Batee Village reached Rp6,260,000 per family per year, while in Pulo Paya Village, the loss was more significant, amounting to Rp32,282,000.00 per family per year.

Q: What are the mitigation efforts that have been carried out to address the conflict?

A: The Orangutan Information Center has made various conflict mitigation efforts with a normal budget of Rp11,400,000.00. These efforts include education and awareness programs, as well as providing compensation to farmers for damages caused by orangutans.

Q: What is the role of education in addressing the conflict?

A: Education is crucial in addressing the conflict between humans and orangutans. It helps to increase public understanding of the importance of maintaining the existence of orangutans and provides farmers with knowledge on how to reduce losses without harming the animals.

Q: What is the importance of collaboration between the government, conservation institutions, and local communities in addressing the conflict?

A: Collaboration is essential in addressing the conflict between humans and orangutans. It helps to develop sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.

Q: What are the recommendations for addressing the conflict?

A: The study recommends education and awareness programs, a collaborative approach between the government, conservation institutions, and local communities, sustainable solutions, and increased funding to support conflict mitigation efforts and conservation programs.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited data, and lack of a control group.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the causes of the conflict, develop sustainable solutions, evaluate the effectiveness of conflict mitigation efforts, and provide recommendations for policy makers and conservation institutions.

Q: What is the significance of the study?

A: The study highlights the importance of addressing the conflict between humans and orangutans in Trumon Tengah District, South Aceh Regency, and provides recommendations for policy makers and conservation institutions to develop sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.

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

A: The study has implications for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach between the government, conservation institutions, and local communities to develop sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.

Q: What are the implications of the study for policy makers?

A: The study has implications for policy makers, highlighting the need for education and awareness programs, increased funding to support conflict mitigation efforts and conservation programs, and the development of sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.

Q: What are the implications of the study for local communities?

A: The study has implications for local communities, highlighting the need for education and awareness programs, increased funding to support conflict mitigation efforts and conservation programs, and the development of sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.

Q: What are the implications of the study for conservation institutions?

A: The study has implications for conservation institutions, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach between the government, conservation institutions, and local communities to develop sustainable solutions that balance the preservation of endangered animals and the economic needs of the community.