The “Ingul” tree (Toona sureni) has been disappearing from Samosir Island, Indonesia. This tree holds an essential role in sustaining the traditional culture in the island through its utility as the wood for building fishmonger canoes and traditional houses.
© 2017 Rahardhika Utama
Mama Ina committed to planting the Ingul trees in the forest area that surrounds her village for almost two years. She hopes to preserve the traditional culture by making sure there will be sufficient supply of Ingul woods in the island for future generations.
© 2017 Rahardhika Utama
“Saving the Inguls” attempts to capture a story about a woman’s effort to preserve traditional culture in the Samosir Island through a sustainable practice of replanting an indigenous tree species. These photos show an instance that preserving culture and nature can go hand-in-hand.