AN AMBIGUOUS PERCEPTION OF SUMATRAN ORANGUTANS (Pongo abelii) BY LOCAL COMMUNITY IN TANGKAHAN, LEUSER ECOSYSTEM, INDONESIA

The interaction between the local community and orangutans is often perceived as mere conflict. Here, we delve into the intricacies of the local perceptions of orangutans by employing semi-structured interviews as a part of an ethnoprimatological approach. Our focus is on the Tangkahan ecotourism area, the Leuser ecosystem, Indonesia. Respondents were selected through convenience sampling. There are 16 respondents, the majority is Batak Karo ethnicity. Our findings reveal a complex and ambiguous local perception towards orangutans, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. In some cases, orangutans are perceived as pests to durian crops and potentially dangerous. In other cases, orangutans are also perceived as human resemble, attractions for tourism, and deserving of protection. We also found some folklore tells that orangutans are human relatives. The positive values of orangutans are likely influenced by ecotourism activities that actively involve the local community in management and development efforts.