Community Perception Regarding the Level of Importance of the Types of Land Use in the Bukit Barisan Tahura Area

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 74 views

Community Perception Regarding the Level of Importance of the Types of Land Use in the Bukit Barisan Tahura Area

Introduction

The Bukit Barisan Tahura area is a region of great ecological and economic importance, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species, as well as providing livelihoods for local communities. However, the management of this area is a complex issue, requiring a deep understanding of the perceptions and needs of the local community. This study aims to investigate the community perception regarding the importance of forests and land use in the Bukit Barisan Tahura area, specifically in Douulu Village, Berastagi District and Rasaruda Village, Merdeka District, Karo Regency.

Methodology

This study was conducted from April to June 2013 using the Multidisciplinary Landscape Assessment (MLA) method, which is a combination of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Pebble Distribution Method (PDM). A total of 60 family heads, 30 from each village, were involved in the study. The number of samples is considered sufficient to represent general public responses and reveal the variations of perceptions from various levels of society.

Results

The results of the study showed that both in the village of Douulu and Rasaruda Village, Settlement land was considered the most important type of land by the community, both men (33.18%) and women (35.22%). This is because settlement land is the center of economic, cultural, education, and social life of the community. The community's dependence on settlement land reflects their socioeconomic needs and awareness of the importance of land availability for their various living needs.

After residential land, Forest ranks second in community perception. A total of 21.59% of men and 19.05% of women considered forests as important land. The community's awareness of the importance of forests shows that they understand the wider forest benefits, such as:

*** Water source:** Tahura Bukit Barisan area is a source of water for the surrounding community, and the existence of forests is important to preserve water sources. *** Biodiversity:** The forest is a habitat for various plant and animal species, so it is important to maintain biodiversity. *** Livelihoods:** Forests are also a source of livelihood for the community, such as non-timber forest products and tourism.

Further Analysis

The community's perception of the importance of forests reflects their awareness of the wider forest benefits. However, the community's dependence on settlement land also highlights the need for sustainable land use management practices that balance the needs of the community with the need to preserve the forest ecosystem.

Recommendation

The results of this study can be taken into consideration in the effort to manage the sustainable Bukit Barisan Tahura area. Efforts are needed to increase community understanding of the importance of preserving the forest and the benefits obtained from the forest. In addition, efforts need to be made to develop forest management strategies oriented to the welfare of the community, such as:

*** Increasing the value of the forest economy:** by developing ecotourism programs, utilizing non-wood forest products, and creating sustainable business opportunities around the forest. *** Fostering public awareness:** Through environmental education programs and awareness about the importance of forest sustainability. *** Increasing community participation:** Providing opportunities for the community to be actively involved in the forest management process, so that people feel they have and are responsible for forest sustainability.

Conclusion

By implementing this recommendation, it is hoped that a balance between land use and forest sustainability can be created, so that it can support the welfare of the community and environmental sustainability in the Tahura Bukit Barisan area. The study highlights the importance of community participation and awareness in forest management, and the need for sustainable land use practices that balance the needs of the community with the need to preserve the forest ecosystem.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and scope of the study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the community perception regarding the importance of forests and land use in the Bukit Barisan Tahura area.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the community perception regarding the importance of forests and land use in other regions, and to develop more effective forest management strategies that balance the needs of the community with the need to preserve the forest ecosystem. Additionally, future research should aim to investigate the impact of forest management practices on the community and the environment, and to develop more effective monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure the sustainability of forest management practices.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, including additional data and figures]

Note: The content of the article is in markdown form, with headings and subheadings used to organize the content. The article is approximately 1500 words in length, and includes a summary of the study, methodology, results, further analysis, recommendation, conclusion, limitations of the study, and future research directions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Community Perception Regarding the Level of Importance of the Types of Land Use in the Bukit Barisan Tahura Area

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to investigate the community perception regarding the importance of forests and land use in the Bukit Barisan Tahura area, specifically in Douulu Village, Berastagi District and Rasaruda Village, Merdeka District, Karo Regency.

Q: What methodology was used in this study?

A: This study used the Multidisciplinary Landscape Assessment (MLA) method, which is a combination of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Pebble Distribution Method (PDM). A total of 60 family heads, 30 from each village, were involved in the study.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results of the study showed that both in the village of Douulu and Rasaruda Village, Settlement land was considered the most important type of land by the community, both men (33.18%) and women (35.22%). After residential land, Forest ranks second in community perception.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings?

Q: What are the recommendations of the study?

A: The study recommends that efforts be made to increase community understanding of the importance of preserving the forest and the benefits obtained from the forest. In addition, efforts need to be made to develop forest management strategies oriented to the welfare of the community, such as:

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and scope of the study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the community perception regarding the importance of forests and land use in the Bukit Barisan Tahura area.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the community perception regarding the importance of forests and land use in other regions, and to develop more effective forest management strategies that balance the needs of the community with the need to preserve the forest ecosystem. Additionally, future research should aim to investigate the impact of forest management practices on the community and the environment, and to develop more effective monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure the sustainability of forest management practices.

Q: What are the implications of the study for forest management?

A: The study highlights the importance of community participation and awareness in forest management, and the need for sustainable land use practices that balance the needs of the community with the need to preserve the forest ecosystem. The study's findings can be used to inform forest management policies and practices that prioritize the needs of local communities and the environment.

Q: What are the implications of the study for environmental sustainability?

A: The study's findings highlight the importance of preserving the forest ecosystem and the benefits it provides to local communities. The study's recommendations can be used to inform environmental sustainability policies and practices that prioritize the preservation of the forest ecosystem and the benefits it provides to local communities.

Q: What are the implications of the study for local communities?

A: The study's findings highlight the importance of community participation and awareness in forest management, and the need for sustainable land use practices that balance the needs of the community with the need to preserve the forest ecosystem. The study's recommendations can be used to inform community-based forest management initiatives that prioritize the needs of local communities and the environment.