Analisis Ekologi Budaya Berbasis Ekoenzim dalam Restorasi Sungai Wampu: Upaya Mewujudkan Lingkungan yang Berkelanjutan

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to explore and analyze the ethnozoology of the Wampu River within the framework of cultural ecology based on eco-enzyme practices, to identify the challenges of sustainability in river revitalization, and to design an environmentally friendly revitalization model in Bahorok District. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving participant observation, in-depth interviews with 16 informants, questionnaires distributed to 40 respondents, and laboratory tests of water quality at upstream, midstream, and downstream points. The findings reveal that the jurung fish (Tor sp.) holds a central role in Karo culture, functioning not only as a food source but also as a symbolic element of kinship and cultural identity. However, its population is increasingly threatened by pollution, hydropower plant activities, and ecological degradation. The challenges of revitalization include limited ecological literacy among local communities, weak public participation, and the absence of customary institutions that regulate river conservation. As a solution, this research proposes an eco-enzyme-based revitalization model that integrates environmentally friendly technology, local wisdom, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This model is expected to restore water quality while preserving cultural identity, thereby achieving sustainable and environmentally friendly river management.Keywords: Wampu River, ethnozoology, cultural ecology, eco-enzyme, revitalization AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menelusuri dan menganalisis etnozoologi Sungai Wampu dalam perspektif ekologi budaya berbasis ekoenzim, mengidentifikasi tantangan keberlanjutan revitalisasi, serta merancang model revitalisasi ramah lingkungan di Kecamatan Bahorok. Metode yang digunakan adalah mixed methods dengan teknik pengumpulan data berupa observasi partisipan, wawancara mendalam dengan 16 informan, penyebaran kuesioner pada 40 responden, serta uji laboratorium kualitas air di hulu, tengah, dan hilir sungai. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ikan jurung (Tor sp.) memiliki posisi sentral dalam adat Karo, baik sebagai sumber pangan maupun simbol kekerabatan. Namun, keberadaannya semakin terancam akibat pencemaran, aktivitas PLTA, dan degradasi lingkungan. Tantangan revitalisasi mencakup rendahnya literasi ekologi masyarakat, lemahnya partisipasi lokal, serta absennya mekanisme kelembagaan adat dalam menjaga ekosistem sungai. Sebagai solusi, penelitian ini merumuskan model revitalisasi berbasis ekoenzim yang mengintegrasikan teknologi ramah lingkungan, kearifan lokal, dan kolaborasi multipihak. Model tersebut diharapkan dapat memulihkan kualitas air sekaligus menjaga keberlanjutan identitas budaya, sehingga mewujudkan pengelolaan sungai yang environmental friendly dan berkelanjutan.Kata Kunci: Sungai Wampu, etnozoologi, ekologi budaya, ekoenzim, revitalisasi.