Nestled on the edge of Lake Toba, Tipang Village tells an inspiring story of balance between sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. Covering an area of 512 hectares in Bakti Raja District, Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra, this village serves as a model of agroforestry practices that support both the environment and the local economy.

 

Agroforestry in Tipang

Tipang Village’s agricultural system focuses on a layered agroforestry approach, known locally as “Food Forestry”. This system combines various food crops in one area, creating a resilient environment where plants thrive together. Coffee plants—both Arabica and Robusta—flourish under the shade of protective trees like sugar palms, candlenuts, durians, bananas, cocoa, papayas, and ingul trees. These trees not only provide shade but also play a crucial role in maintaining soil moisture, improving crop resilience to extreme weather.

Local farmer Patar Manalu cultivates coffee in this sustainable system. With organic fertilizers sourced from nearby materials such as banana stems, branches, leaves, and chicken manure, he keeps production costs to a minimum whilst producing high-quality coffee. Patar can harvest his coffee weekly, selling it for around Rp20,000 per liter of dried beans. This sustainable method reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers, whilst contributing to soil health and crop quality.

Agroforestry here is not just about farming; it is a climate solution. According to Oding Affandi, a forestry expert from the University of North Sumatra, agroforestry creates microclimates that protect plants from excessive heat and strong winds. Trees in this system absorb large amounts of carbon, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions, making Tipang Village a potential climate action model.

 

A Village Shaped by Sustainable Tourism

Tipang’s sustainable practices extend beyond farming. The village’s natural beauty, complemented by tourist attractions like Sigota-gota Waterfall, has earned it a spot in the top 50 nominees for the 2021 Anugerah Desa Wisata (ADWI) award by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Patar Manalu and the Simak Pandan Nauli tourism group promote community-based tourism. The group, made up of 10 local members, works together to create eco-friendly tourism experiences while preserving the environment.

“We develop tourism that benefits all residents. We keep our environment clean and avoid cutting down trees that serve as habitats for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.” Patar says.

Conserving With Local Traditions

Tipang Village also practices the ancient Sihali Aek tradition, a water management system that has preserved local resources for hundreds of years. This cooperative system ensures equal water distribution, crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity even in periods of low rainfall. By using traditional irrigation and shade trees to maintain soil moisture, Tipang minimizes its impact on the local ecosystem, strengthening its resilience to climate change.

Lake Toba’s National and Global Significance

Lake Toba has been designated as one of Indonesia’s 15 National Priority Lakes and is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its value for conservation and sustainable development. According to the Hariara Institute, a local environmental NGO, forest-based agriculture, such as the agroforestry practices in Tipang, supports biodiversity far better than monoculture systems.

“Lake Toba’s ecosystem has the potential to become a leading example of sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism in Indonesia” says Wilson Nainggolan from the Hariara Institute.

However, the Institute emphasizes that these efforts require support from government policies, research institutions, and the active participation of local communities to create lasting impact.

Sustainable Tourism: A Path to Long-Term Benefits

The integration of agriculture, eco-tourism, and traditional conservation practices in Tipang Village embodies the principles of sustainable development. Research on sustainable tourism highlights the importance of approaches that combine economic, social, and environmental dimensions to achieve long-lasting benefits. A collaborative effort between government policies, private sector support, and local communities can help protect natural resources while bringing economic benefits to the area.

As Lake Toba gains recognition for its ecological significance, Tipang Village shines as a promising model of conservation and sustainability. This village offers a glimpse into the future of rural areas that prioritize environmental health while providing for their people, reinforcing the idea that sustainable practices are both practical and essential.

For conservationists and eco-conscious travelers, Tipang Village offers a living example of how agroforestry and eco-tourism can coexist in harmony with nature, paving the way for sustainable rural development in Indonesia and beyond.