While exploring the Sirukam Village Forest, located in Nagari Sirukam, Payung Sekaki District, Solok Regency, West Sumatra, we will inevitably be introduced to the Guardian. This Guardian is one of the protectors of the Sirukam Village Forest. However, don't imagine this Guardian to be like the handsome and dashing Harrison Ford in field uniform from the film " Indiana Jones ." And he shouldn't be like Joo Ji Hoon, the forest ranger on Mount Jiri in the Korean drama "Mount Jiri."

The Guardian is an acoustic sensor device based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This device can detect and record sounds in the forest, such as animal sounds, chainsaws, trucks, and even gunshots. Its radius can reach up to 1.5 kilometers. When the Guardian detects these sounds, it will send real-time notifications to the phones of Parimbo or Nagari Sirukam Forest Patrol officers. The Patrol Team will then conduct patrols and inspect the designated locations.

" We use a digital system, commonly known as artificial intelligence, to monitor forest destruction. This tool will then send notifications to the mobile phones of our Parimbo members ," said Jasmir Jumadi, Parimbo of the Sirukam Nagari Forest.

" This tool can detect the sound of chainsaws used by loggers, up to a distance of 1.5 kilometers from where the tool is installed ," said Bukhtiar, another Parimbo Hutan Nagari Sirukam.

The Guardian device is assembled from a used cell phone, a battery box, a voice-recording microphone, and a solar panel. The used cell phone is placed inside the box to protect it from rain, heat, and wind. It is then connected to a solar panel as a power source and a voice-recording microphone to capture sound within a 1.5-kilometer radius. The device is then mounted on a tree branch at a height of 50 meters. The 50-meter installation is intended to allow the device to capture phone signals and prevent the device from being stolen by people who intend to interfere with the device. The device can also be detected if it is damaged, turned off, or stolen. The installation location also takes into account the surrounding weather, temperature changes, and so on.

The Guardian device isn't just installed in the Sirukam Nagari Forest. KKI WARSI, along with Rainforest Connection (RFCx), has installed the device in several areas within the Mudiak Badua Landscape, which spans four regencies in West Sumatra: Dharmasraya, Solok, South Solok, and Sijunjung. The Guardian device covers 18,096 hectares.

The first installation was carried out in July 2019, with 12 units spread across four villages: Sirukam Village in Solok Regency, Pakan Rabaa Timur Village, Pakan Rabaa Village, and Pasir Talang Timur Village in South Solok Regency. Three devices were installed in each village at three different locations. The second installation was carried out in February 2020, with five units for guardians installed, three in Sumpur Kudus Village and two in Jorong Simancuang Village, Alam Pauh Duo Village.

" Three Guardian devices have been installed in the Nagari Sirukam forest. One is on the path leading to the water source, and the other two are located elsewhere. All devices have a range of 1.5 kilometers ," said Bukhtiar, pointing to a Guardian device on a tree branch over 30 meters high.

Guardian is very helpful and facilitates the work of the LPHN Patrol Team, or Parimbo, in monitoring the six villages. It also makes the LPHN patrol team more effective in collecting evidence related to field findings, including photographs, audio recordings, and location coordinates.

" This tool helps us protect the Nagari Sirukam forest. Before we had this tool, we patrolled the Nagari Sirukam forest once a month. With this tool, we can quickly get information on any findings, thus speeding up our work, " said Bukhtiar.

Jasmir Jumadi explained that the Guardian device assists the LPHN Forest Patrol Team, given the relatively large area of ​​the Sirukam Nagari Forest, covering 1,789 hectares. Meanwhile, the number of Parimbo in the Sirukam Nagari Forest is relatively small. " Before this device, we patrolled specific areas prone to illegal logging. However, with this device, we can monitor the Sirukam Nagari Forest more extensively, digitally. This tool makes it easier for us to continue protecting the forest ."

Since the Guardian device was installed, the Parimbo (locally known as Parimbo) in Sirukam Village have thwarted several illegal logging operations. Jasmir explained that of the three devices installed, two frequently send out notifications. In August 2019, the Guardian detected forest destruction in the village's forest area. This began when the Guardian device alerted them to the sound of chainsaws, indicating logging activity in the Sirukam village forest area. The Parimbo Forest Patrol Team from the National Land Agency (LPHN) then conducted a field inspection and found the perpetrators and evidence.

The Guardian helps the community and Parimbo monitor and protect the forest from illegal logging and forest destruction. He assists Parimbo in the Sirukam Nagari Forest, ensuring its preservation and sustainability. [Luluk Uliyah]