Environmental Communication Based on Local Wisdom in Forest Conservation: A Study on Sentajo Forbidden Forest, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to explore environmental communication based on local wisdom in conserving forests in the Kenegerian Sentajo, Riau Province, Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative approach with an interactive model. Researchers interact and are directly involved in many community activities. The results indicate that environmental communication in forest conservation is based on the local wisdom of the community by using the term Rimbo Larangan. The main communicators and actors are the customary holders, the datuk penghulu and the ninik-mamak (elders) as the highest institutional holders of Kenegerian Sentajo customs. This institution is more powerful than formal government institutions. These traditional stakeholders play an important role in spreading the message to maintain the existence of forbidden forest (Rimbo Larangan). In addition, the community’s desire to maintain customary values has given rise to attitudes and behaviors of people who are aware and care about forest sustainability. This is supported by Islamic values which have encouraged public awareness to have morals or responsibility towards the environment. Some beliefs, storytelling, and myths also reinforce this rule which makes people afraid to break it. The research findings can be used by the community in improving practices of communicating, managing, making rules and redesigning forest for conservation areas that are managed based on indigenous peoples.

Keywords

• environmental communication
• local wisdom
• customary forest
• conservation
• forest management