CONSERVATION OF ‘JERAT SEMBAT’ OF INDIGENOUS TEMUAN TRIBE IN KAMPUNG GAPAM, JASIN, MELAKA

This article discusses the conservation of ‘Jerat Sembat’ of indigenous Temuan tribe in Kampung Gapam, Jasin, Melaka. ‘Jerat Sembat’ are commonly used to trap animals in living conditions. The indigenous people of the Temuan tribe will not kill animals while hunting because they believe this can avoid adverse incidents befalling themselves and their families. They have a strong belief that there is a spirit in nature. Therefore, while hunting, they only use traps to trap animals such as birds, wild mice, squirrels and deer. They make traps using materials that are easily obtained from hunting grounds. However, the passage of time has caused the use of ‘Jerat Sembat’ to trap animals to become less popular thus causing their own younger generation to not recognize it. The purpose of this research is to identify the ‘Jerat Sembat’ in the indigenous people of the Temuan tribe. This research uses qualitative research methodology, namely field studies and library studies. A one-week field study was conducted in Kampung Gapam in Jasin, Melaka. Focused interview methods are used to interview some authoritative people in the community. This research is also supported by additional data from library studies. The process of data analysis uses the narrative method. The findings of the study clearly show that the younger generation does not know how to make ‘Jerat Sembat’. The results of the study also prove that the ‘Jerat Sembat’ must be maintained to uphold the local wisdom of the indigenous people. The contribution of this research is very important by making the Temuan tribe ‘Jerat Sembat’ as a way of life in the forest.