By: Osmantri Abeng

On Thursday, March 12, 2015, a total of 3000 baung fish fry were released at Lubuk Larangan, Sungai Tapi, Petai Village, Singingi Hilir Sub-district, Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing). This location is close to the Tiger Protection Unit (TPU) camp. At least 80 people attended the event, including the Singingi Hilir sub-district head and his entourage, the police chief, the military chief, the fisheries chief, the tourism chief, village heads in Singingi Hilir sub-district, companies (PT SAR and RAPP), WWF, traditional leaders, community leaders, students, Petai villagers and several print journalists. Usually, this prohibition hole is opened before Eid al-Fitr, and the funds generated are used for village needs.

The inauguration of lubuk larangan and the release of fish seeds are aimed at protecting the river for sustainable use. Camp TPU can be used as a platform for the development of various activities for the community and the environment (prioritizing the community for the benefit of the environment and the wider public)

In his speech, the Head of Singingi Hilir Sub-District highly appreciated and supported the initiative of the inauguration of the Lubuk Larangan and thanked the Village Government and Traditional Leaders of Petai Village and WWF for supporting the activity. It was also mentioned that this is the second Lubuk Larangan in Singingi Regency, but the Lubuk Larangan of Petai Village is the most special because it originated from the initiative and self-help of the community and is oriented towards saving the environment and sustainable use.

The fish release ceremony was conducted by the sub-district head, the head of fisheries, the head of tourism, and the head of Singingi Hilir sub-district. In a conversation with the WWF team who were present on the sidelines of the activity, the Sub-District Head suggested that WWF continue to develop this activity. He was very impressed with the TPU Camp and according to him this place has the potential to be developed into environmental tourism. In addition, the sub-district head stated that he would support and be ready to receive consultations with WWF related to community development efforts that are in harmony with saving the environment.