Persistensi Sihali Aek Dalam Pengelolaan Irigasi Desa Tipang Kecamatan Baktiraja Kabupaten Humbang Hasundutan

Abstract

This study focuses on a traditional irrigation channel called sihali aek in Tipang Village, which has existed for more than two centuries. It examines how the traditional sihali aek irrigation system is managed, why the community continues to maintain it until now, and the challenges in preserving its sustainability. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with ethnographic methods, with data collection through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Based on the research results, it shows that sihali aek is an ancient irrigation system that has survived for more than two centuries and has become an important part of the life of the people of Tipang Village. In addition to providing agricultural irrigation, this system also preserves social, cultural, and spiritual values. The management of sihali aek is carried out collectively, led by the raja bius, and involves cooperation and traditional rituals such as batu siungkap ungkapon, mangan indahan siporhis, and manabar, which strengthen community relationships. The community continues to preserve the Sihali Aek because of the important values it contains. Apart from the economic benefits in improving agricultural yields, beliefs in ancestral heritage are also considered sacred. However, they also face challenges such as dealing with natural conditions beyond the community's control that cause landslides, which have a serious impact on the Sihali Aek irrigation channels, changes in the implementation of rituals, and changes in the existing rules within Sihali Aek. This study shows that the strength of the community's social capital, such as trust, customary rules, togetherness, and strong social networks, is a major factor in maintaining the sustainability of Sihali Aek to this day. This study shows that the strength of the community's social capital, such as trust, customary rules, togetherness, and strong social networks, is a key factor in maintaining the sustainability of Sihali Aek up to the present.