Etnobotani dan Etnoekologi Masyarakat Parmalim di Kabupaten Samosir dan Toba Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Parmalim is an original belief of the Batak tribe that grows, develops, and has been held since time immemorial. The hallmark of the Parmalim people is their local wisdom in protecting nature. This research aimed to: 1) reveal the knowledge of the Parmalim community regarding the management system of natural resources and the environment, especially regarding local wisdom in environmental sustainability; 2) assess the knowledge of the Parmalim community in the utilization and management of the diversity of plant species used in the life of the Parmalim community; 3) formulate the concept of plant conservation and cultural conservation in the life of the Parmalim community. The research used two approaches such as anthropology and ecology. The research began with determining key informants. Social and cultural data collection was carried out by direct interviews. Plant data collection was done through interviews and direct observation in the field. The results showed that the Parmalim community used at least 227 species of plants for their needs. The use of these plants included food, animal feed, medicines, tools, building materials, and religious symbols. These plants were obtained from cultivated and wild plants around the residential and forest environment. Based on ethnobotany and ethnoecological data, it could be concluded that the Parmalim community was very concerned about the sustainability aspect of plants. The Parmalim community in shaping their environment was very concerned about relationships with others, nature, and the environment, as well as the Creator. The local wisdom of the Parmalim community could be used as the basis for conservation. One example was the selective logging system and carrying out restoration when utilizing forest products such as wood utilization, making planting arrangements by resting the land, organic cultivation systems, and preserving the Lake Toba area. One of the efforts made in preserving the environment was by following the rules from generation to generation that had been believed to be true. The concept of conservation in the Parmalim community could be based on three things, namely a strong community organization (structure), selective absorption of appropriate technology, and a sustainable economy. The existence of the Parmalim Community could be used as a benchmark for the preservation of Batak culture.