The Harmonious Coexistence: A Tale of the Fisherman, the Egret, and the Vanname Shrimp in Cinta Raja, Langsa Aceh

 *Heri Tarmizi

The local community harvest Shrimp in fishpond

In the quaint village of Cinta Raja, nestled in the heart of Langsa Aceh, lies the largest fishpond in the region. Once renowned for its cultivation of the prized tiger prawn, the fishponds now witness a transformation, embracing the Vanname shrimp as their new inhabitants. However, amidst this transition, a delicate balance between human activity and the natural world emerges, embodied by the graceful presence of the egret.

Cinta Raja is not just known for its abundant fishponds but also for hosting the largest breeding site of the egret in the area. With over 1500 of these majestic birds finding sanctuary in the village's mangroves, a sense of tranquility permeates the air as both birds and humans coexist in harmony. Poaching and hunting are unheard of in these parts, as the villagers recognize the importance of preserving the ecosystem that sustains them.

However, a challenge arises during the shrimp harvest season, when the egrets descend upon the fishponds in search of a feast. The shrimp, vulnerable in their ponds, become easy targets for the hungry birds, threatening the livelihood of the fishermen. Faced with this dilemma, the fishermen of Cinta Raja display ingenuity and resilience as they devise a solution rooted in their traditional wisdom.

Recognizing the egret's nocturnal habits, the fishermen adjust their harvest schedule, venturing into the ponds under the cloak of night. As the egrets retreat to their breeding site to rest, the fishermen seize the opportunity to gather the shrimp before dawn breaks. It becomes a race against time, with the fishermen working diligently until the first light of dawn signals the egret's awakening.

Egret enjoy the shrimp on fishpond after harvest by fisherman

Despite the inevitable loss of some shrimp to the birds during the morning feeding frenzy, the fishermen harbor no resentment. Instead, they embrace the ethos of "sharing is caring," understanding that they are but stewards of the land entrusted to them by a higher power. In their eyes, the bounties of the earth are meant to be shared, not hoarded, for they recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings.

When asked whether they mind the egrets catching some shrimp in the fishponds, the fishermen respond with unwavering conviction. "We live in a world inhabited not only by humans but also by animals," they declare. "Nature, in its infinite generosity, provides for us all. We must show gratitude and extend that generosity to our fellow creatures."

Indeed, in the ethos of Cinta Raja, reverence for the natural world is deeply intertwined with religious faith. For the villagers, Allah, the Most Merciful, has bestowed upon them the responsibility of stewardship over His creation. In their actions, they seek to embody the principles of compassion, humility, and gratitude, knowing that their sustenance comes not just from the toil of their hands but from the benevolence of a higher power.

As the sun rises over the tranquil waters of Cinta Raja, a sense of peace pervades the village. In the delicate dance between man and nature, a timeless wisdom is upheld—one that reveres the interconnectedness of all life and honors the sanctity of the earth. And amidst the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides, the fishermen, the egrets, and the vannamei shrimp coexist in perfect harmony, united by a shared reverence for the beauty and abundance of the natural world.