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.

The ingul tree, an integral part of Batak Toba community life. Photo: Barita News Lumbanbatu.

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.

Patar Manalu showcases his agroforestry coffee plantation in Tipang Village, Bakti Raja District, Humbang Hasundutan [Humbahas], North Sumatra. Photo: Barita News Lumbanbatu.

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.

Local visitors can enjoy coffee and the beautiful scenery of Tipang Village, located around Lake Toba. Photo: Barita News Lumbanbatu.

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.

Lake Toba, which needs restoration from damage and pollution. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Viral88toto/CC BY-SA 4.0.

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.

The Ingul Tree: Sustaining Batak Toba Heritage

admin — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 15:38:16 +0000

The Ingul tree, integral to the Batak Toba community, is used for crafting traditional fishing boats “solu”, natural pesticides, and foundations for traditional houses.
Declining fish populations and environmental issues around Lake Toba have reduced interest in fishing, shifted economic activities to fish farming and are threatening traditional boat-making practices.
Modern construction materials and the designation of forests as state land are diminishing the economic value of Ingul wood.
To address concerns about the disappearing Ingul tree, an Indigenous school in the Huta Lottung community was opened to preserve and pass on traditional knowledge and cultural practices.

Ingul Tree: A Cornerstone of Batak Toba Culture

The “Ingul” tree, also known as Suren (Toona sureni), is integral to the ethnic Batak Toba community’s life. This tree’s wood is used to make “solu”, traditional boats used for fishing on Lake Toba. The Ingul wood and leaves also serve as natural pesticides for the Toba people. The Karo people, another ethnic group, use Ingul wood to make furniture and musical instruments.

Ingul trees grow in many gardens around Lake Toba, often alongside candlenut, cocoa, and mango trees. They also provide shade for coffee plants and thrive at 600-1,200 metres above sea level, with an average temperature of 22 °C.

The Role of Ingul in Batak Toba Culture

Ingul wood is known for being strong and resistant to water and insects, making it perfect for crafting solu, the traditional fishing boats used on Lake Toba.

“I order this wood from Holbung Village, Somosir. The trees here are still too small to use for making solu.” explained Op. Adrian, Head of the Huta Lottung Indigenous Community in Muara, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, at his home on Friday [05/04/2024].

Construction of a traditional fishing boat “solu”, used and crafted by the Batak people on Lake Toba. Image by Barita News Lumbanbatu.

Making solu takes skill and artistry. Op. Adrian can earn between 1-1.5 million Indonesian rupiah(Rp) for making one solu, while Ingul wood costs around Rp4-6 million per cubic meter, with a diameter of 30-40 cm.

However, the declining fish population in Lake Toba, combined with pollution and the introduction of invasive predator species like the Flowerhorn fish, has diminished local interest in fishing

“It’s not about the pay; people are just not interested in fishing. They prefer fish farming,” he said.

Ecological and Cultural Significance of Ingul

Ingul belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is a fast-growing tree that requires minimal care, reaching heights of 30-50 meters with a diameter of about 1 meter. According to a report by Liberina Kristina Ibo and Septiani Dian Arimukti (BRIN, 2019), the Toba ethnic group use Ingul wood and leaves as natural pesticides

Ingul wood is also used as the foundation for traditional Batak Toba houses, known as Ruma Bolon. The Karo people also utilize the robust wood to make furniture and musical instruments.

Traditional boat-shaped Batak Toba houses in a village near Lake Toba. Image by Barita News Lumbanbatu.

The Future of Ingul Tree

Technological advancements in construction have reduced the demand for Ingul wood in boat building and traditional house construction, which now often use modern materials.

“Today’s houses are easier to build with cement and stone,” said Op. Adrian.

Edward Siregar, the Head of PD AMAN (Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago) North Tapanuli, added that Ingul trees can still be found in Muara’s forests. However, they are losing economic value as these areas are being claimed as state forests.

“This raises concerns about the loss of community income and the fading of local wisdom regarding the use of Ingul wood,” he explained in early April 2024.

In response to these challenges, Edward established the Indigenous School in the Huta Lottung Indigenous Community.

“The goal is to ensure that local wisdom, especially solu making and other traditions around Lake Toba, is preserved and passed on to future generations,” he stated.

#LakeToba – Hariara Institute