Understanding of Local Function Values on Forest Processing

Abstract

Purpose: to find a deep understanding of the values of local wisdom related to forest management in Nagari Koto Malintang, Tanjung Raya District, Agam Regency, West Sumatera Province and to determine a forest management communication model based on environmental awareness

Design/Method: This research used a descriptive-qualitative (exploratory) approach without hypotheses. An exploratory approach is a research approach aimed to build a science. This research was intended to find a model by looking at existing phenomena. The approach and method were adjusted to the research objective, that was to obtain a deep understanding of the flow of information and the role of communication in forest management so that the forest in Nagari Koto Malintang can be sustainable. This research was conducted in Nagari Koto Malintang, Tanjung Raya District, Agam Regency.

Finding: the community and government of Nagari Koto Malintang have arranged the Nagari’s space and land by dividing it into three: namely an upstream area converted into a catchment area, the middle area converted into a plantation and settlement area, and the downstream area converted into cultivation land. Ecologically, the existence of forests also benefits the people of Nagari Koto Malintang related to environmental management so that they are free from threats of floods and galodo, lack of water needs, bad air quality, and flora and fauna scarcity.

Originalty: There have been many studies conducted in relation to forest management but the description related to information flows and communication patterns of indigenous people in conveying forest management local wisdom is still lacking. This is because each indigenous community has different customs and norms, so it is necessary to examine the characteristics of Nagari Koto Malintang’s community in forest management.