Persepsi Masyarakat terhadap Konflik Gajah Sumatera (Elephas maximus sumatranus) di Kecamatan Besitang Kabupaten Langkat Sumatera Utara (Studi Kasus Desa Halaban)

Abstract

The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is a sub-species of the Asian elephant which is endemic to Sumatra. The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is part of a food web and energy flow which occupies the first level consumer position, namely herbivores. This research is expected to provide information about the intensity of the conflict and the perceptions of the people around Hamlet X HKTI, Halaban Village, Besitang District. The approach used in this study is descriptive quantitative where this research describes the variables as they are and is supported by data in the form of numbers resulting from actual conditions. Then data collection was carried out on 79 respondents with several techniques namely observation, interviews, questionnaires, and literature study. The data obtained was processed using a frequency table using a nominal scale and rating scale, and analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that the Community Perception of the Conflict of the Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) in Hamlet X HKTI Halaban Village was in the good perception category of 87.97% which indicated that the community around the Gunung Leuser National Park area still had good concern and awareness so that the community must continue to be supported. The highest percentage of losses caused by elephants is 72% of the plants belonging to the community around the hamlet. The community considers that the construction of guardrails and patrol posts is quite effective, but the community complains that they are constrained by manpower in making the guardrails, which should be sturdy so they don't break quickly.