• Swarno Lumbangaol, a tourism master’s graduate, returned to his hometown of Bakkara Village after 20 years of teaching in Aceh, North Sumatra, to continue his family’s fish farming tradition.
• He now focuses on cultivating a rare species of mahseer fish, called Ihan (Neolissochilus thienemann), which is endemic to Lake Toba and has a declining population.
• Swarno’s efforts in preserving Ihan have been supported by the Fisheries Department, and he has showcased his conservation work at the North Sumatra Fair attended by President Joko Widodo.
• In addition to fish farming, Swarno also cultivates Azolla (Mosquito ferns), an aquatic plant used to feed the fish, and aims to preserve the cultural significance of Ihan in Batak rituals and traditions.

Preserving Lake Toba’s Unique Ecosystem

Swarno Lumbangaol, a master’s graduate in tourism from a private university in Medan, North Sumatra, has returned home to preserve the cultural and environmental heritage of Lake Toba. After spending over 20 years as an educator in the cities of Meulaboh and Nagan Raya, Aceh province, North Sumatra. Swarno chose to come back to his hometown, Bakkara Village, with a mission to continue his family’s traditional fish farming practices.

Swarno wanted to continue his family’s tradition of fish farming in ponds. In the past, his grandfather raised carp, and his father raised tilapia and mujair (another type of tilapia) in the pond beside their house.

Swarno chose to cultivate a species of mahseer, called Ihan (Neolissochilus thienemann), which is ray-finned fish belonging to the Cyrpinidae (carp) family. Ihan is endemic to Lake Toba and is becoming increasingly rare due to environmental disturbances.

Swarno sources the Ihan fry from rivers around Humbang Hasundutan and Samosir. With three levels of ponds established on his property, Swarno makes use of Bakkara’s natural water sources and rocky terrain to create an ideal environment for the fish.

The Fisheries Department has recognized Swarno’s efforts in conserving Ihan and has supported his initiatives. Swarno introduced the unique fish at the North Sumatra Fair in Humbang Hasundutan, an event organized by the Ministry of Tourism and attended by President Joko Widodo.

In addition to cultivating Ihan, Swarno cultivates Azolla (Mosquito Ferns), an aquatic plant that serves as a food source for the fish. Azolla is a type of fern that floats on water. It is commonly found in flooded areas or rice fields, with a size of 1.5-2.5 centimetres. The small leaves overlap each other, with a greenish-red surface. Swarno also works as a local tour guide in his spare time.

About the Ihan Fish

Ihan is a protected species with full conservation status, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ Decree No. 1/2021.

The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) describes Ihan as having a long, flattened body with a silvery colour. Ihan fish swim against strong river currents, resulting in a dense bone texture. The fish can also be characterised by 10 scales in front of the dorsal fin and 26 scales along the lateral line.

The endemic fish is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and shows a decreasing population trend, with only 5,000-10,000 individuals remaining.

Similar fish of the genus Tor and N. Sumatranus can be found within Lake Toba, but their populations are also declining. Fish within the genus Tor are known locally as ‘Jurung’ (mahseer in English).

‘There are indeed similarities between Ihan and other mahseer fish, but the difference lies in the shape of the lower snout and the eyes,’ said Swarno.

Preserving Toba Batak Culture

In local Batak culture, Ihan holds significant traditional value and plays a crucial role in sacred rituals. Historically, the fish was a delicacy for the kings of ancient Batak kingdoms and was offered to God (Mula Jadi Na Bolon) during traditional ceremonies. Another name for the fish in local Batak Ethnic language is  ‘Ihan Batak’ or ‘Ikan Dewa’ (Gods fish).

The Ihan fish is believed to bring blessings of good health, prosperity, and many descendants. In Batak weddings, an Ihan dish is given to the bride’s family as a reciprocal offering to seek divine blessings, known as “tudu-tudu sipanganon”.

Ihan is cooked in a distinctive way during Batak traditional ceremonies. The dish, called ‘Arsik’, consists of traditional Batak flavours including torch ginger fruit (asam cikala) and andaliman (which only grows in the Batak highlands).

The traditional dish is gradually disappearing due to the rarity of Ihan. Another species of carp, introduced by the Dutch during the colonial period, is replacing the Ihan fish in many ceremonies.

Swarno Lumbangaol’s dedication to preserving Ihan highlights the intersection of cultural heritage and environmental conservation. His efforts contribute significantly to the conservation of Lake Toba’s unique ecosystem and the revival of traditional Batak practices.

To learn more about conservation efforts and support initiatives like Swarno Lumbangaol’s, visit Hariara Institute’s website and explore how you can contribute to preserving Lake Toba’s natural and cultural heritage.

Written by Charlotte Gresham